Abstract

Once thought to be a unidimensional personality trait, recent research has advanced a two-dimensional model of Machiavellianism (Monaghan et al., 2020). The views dimension is associated with a cynical worldview whereas the tactics dimension relates to a willingness to engage in interpersonal exploitation for personal gain. The purpose of this study was to explore how these two dimensions are associated with coping strategies (Carver, 1997) in response to interpersonal stress as well as differences in life satisfaction (Kobau et al., 2010) and happiness (Lyubormirsky & Lepper, 1999). The sample (N = 253) was collected through Prolific, an online paid research panel and also included measures of self-consciousness (Scheier & Carver, 2013) and locus of control (Rotter, 1966). Results indicated that Machiavellianism was associated with more destructive coping strategies like behavioral disengagement, denial and substance use. Both views and tactics were positively correlated with destructive strategies. Interestingly, Machiavellian views, but not tactics, was negatively correlated with constructive strategies like planning, emotional support and active coping. GLM mediational analyses indicate lower levels of life satisfaction (Diener et al., 1985) were explained by higher levels of self blame among individuals high in either tactics or views. Emotional support accounted for differences in satisfaction with life among individuals with Machiavellian views, but not tactics.