A new analysis of psychological data suggests that manipulative personality traits may stem from deep-seated insecurities regarding social bonding. Researchers found that individuals who struggle to form secure emotional attachments are more likely to exhibit characteristics associated with Machiavellianism.
These findings indicate that dark personality traits may function as defensive mechanisms developed in response to unstable relationships. The study was published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
To understand these findings, it is necessary to look at two distinct areas of psychological research. The first area is the concept of Machiavellianism. This construct draws its name from Niccolò Machiavelli and his political philosophy. It represents a personality trait defined by a willingness to manipulate others, a cynical view of human nature, and a belief that the ends justify the means.
Psychologists often group Machiavellianism with narcissism and psychopathy under the umbrella of the “Dark Triad.” People with high levels of this trait are often described as having a “cool syndrome.” They tend to detach emotionally from others to maintain control. They view other people as tools to be used rather than individuals to be connected with.
The second concept is attachment theory, which was originally developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth. This theory posits that the bonds formed between children and their caregivers create a blueprint for all future relationships. This blueprint is known as an internal working model.
When caregivers are responsive and supportive, children typically develop a secure attachment style. They grow up viewing themselves as worthy of love and others as trustworthy. However, when care is inconsistent or negligent, children may develop insecure attachment styles.
There are several forms of insecure attachment. Anxious attachment involves a fear of rejection and a constant need for validation. Avoidant attachment involves a discomfort with intimacy and a preference for excessive independence.
Previous research has attempted to link these two psychological constructs. The logic is that people who do not trust others due to early attachment failures might resort to manipulation to get their needs met. However, prior studies produced inconsistent results. Some papers found strong links, while others found little to no connection.
To clarify this relationship, a team of researchers led by Yihan Zhang from the University of Macau decided to aggregate the existing data. They performed a meta-analysis. This is a statistical method that combines the results of multiple independent studies to identify broader trends.
The researchers searched through six major academic databases for relevant literature. They looked for studies that measured both insecure attachment and Machiavellianism using validated psychological scales. They applied strict criteria for inclusion.
The team excluded studies involving clinical patients to focus on the general population. They also ensured that the statistical data in the papers could be converted into a common format for comparison. After a comprehensive screening process, they selected 27 articles.
These articles provided 86 different effect sizes. The total sample size across all studies included 13,791 participants. The participants ranged from teenagers to middle-aged adults and came from various regions, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
The researchers utilized a three-level random-effects model to analyze the data. This statistical approach allowed them to account for variations within individual studies as well as differences between the studies.
The primary finding was a positive correlation between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism. This correlation was statistically significant. It suggests that as an individual’s level of attachment insecurity rises, their tendency toward Machiavellian behavior also increases.
The researchers propose that this link exists because insecurely attached people hold biased mental representations. They often filter out positive social cues and amplify negative ones. This reinforces a skeptical view of human nature.
If a person expects others to be hostile or unreliable, they may adopt manipulative strategies as a form of self-protection. This aligns with the Machiavellian worldview that it is better to manipulate than to be manipulated.
Beyond the general link, the researchers conducted a moderator analysis. They wanted to see if specific types of insecure attachment were more strongly connected to Machiavellianism than others. This deep dive revealed nuanced results.
The analysis showed that “disorganized” and “fearful-avoidant” attachment patterns had the strongest associations with Machiavellian traits. Disorganized attachment is often the result of childhood experiences where the caregiver was a source of fear.
People with disorganized attachment possess chaotic internal working models. They simultaneously desire intimacy and fear it. The researchers explain that this internal conflict can lead to suspicion and hostility. These individuals may prioritize self-protection above all else.
Fearful-avoidant individuals feel unworthy of love and believe others are incapable of loving them. They often experience a low sense of social belonging. The study suggests these individuals may use manipulation to survive socially because they lack faith in genuine emotional bonds.
The study also examined anxious attachment. Anxiously attached people tend to be over-reliant on others. They may use manipulative tactics to induce guilt or solicit attention. The analysis confirmed a link here as well, though it operates differently than the avoidant types.
The researchers found that the method used to measure these traits influenced the results. Different psychological scales capture slightly different aspects of personality. However, the connection remained robust across various measurement tools.
These findings imply that Machiavellianism is not simply a malicious trait chosen voluntarily. It may be rooted in hostile family environments or negative early experiences. Inappropriate parenting practices can impede the development of amicable social strategies.
When children are exposed to environments where their needs are ignored, they develop coping mechanisms. Machiavellianism may serve as a protective shell. It allows insecure individuals to navigate a social world they perceive as dangerous.
There are limitations to this study that should be noted. The analysis was restricted to articles written in English. This may have excluded relevant data from other linguistic regions.
The number of included studies was relatively small at 27. While the sample size of participants was large, a higher number of studies would allow for more detailed moderator analyses.
Some potential moderators could not be fully explored due to insufficient data. For example, the study could not fully assess how gender might influence the strength of the relationship between attachment and manipulation.
The researchers also noted that the study relies on correlational data. This means they cannot definitively say that insecure attachment causes Machiavellianism. It only shows that the two are related.
Future research is needed to establish causality. Longitudinal studies that follow individuals from childhood into adulthood would be particularly useful. Such studies could track how early attachment styles evolve into adult personality traits.
The researchers suggest that future studies should also explore other variables. Factors such as gender and specific attachment figures (parents versus romantic partners) might play a role.
Despite these caveats, the study offers practical implications for mental health treatment. It highlights the importance of fostering attachment security.
Therapists treating individuals with high levels of manipulativeness might benefit from focusing on underlying insecurities. Helping a patient develop a more secure attachment style could theoretically reduce their reliance on Machiavellian tactics.
If clinicians can address the root cause—the fear of rejection or betrayal—the need for defensive manipulation may decrease. This suggests a potential pathway for intervention.
The study, “The relationship between insecure attachment and Machiavellianism: A meta-analysis,” was authored by Yihan Zhang, Yihui Wang, Xiyu Jiang, Xinyun Li, and Juan Zhang.
