Measurement Invariance on the Influence of Marital Status on Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism is one of the three Dark Triad traits and entails a manipulative and deceptive personality. Previous research has shown that people with strong Machiavellian traits have a preference for short-term relationships. If they do enter a long-term relationship, this relationship tends to last, partly due to manipulative tactics. A commonly used test is the MACH-IV, which contains three dimensions: Interpersonal Tactics, Cynical View of Human Nature, and Utilitarian Morality. In this study, these dimensions are treated as a three-factor model. The aim of this study is to see whether the three-factor model is appropriate for different marital statuses (Never Married”, “Currently Married”, and “Previously Married”). It was expected that “Never Married” would have the best model fit and the highest factor loadings and factor scores, followed by “Currently Married”, and then “Previously Married” with the worst fit and lowest factor loadings and factor scores. Tests were...Show moreMachiavellianism is one of the three Dark Triad traits and entails a manipulative and deceptive personality. Previous research has shown that people with strong Machiavellian traits have a preference for short-term relationships. If they do enter a long-term relationship, this relationship tends to last, partly due to manipulative tactics. A commonly used test is the MACH-IV, which contains three dimensions: Interpersonal Tactics, Cynical View of Human Nature, and Utilitarian Morality. In this study, these dimensions are treated as a three-factor model. The aim of this study is to see whether the three-factor model is appropriate for different marital statuses (Never Married”, “Currently Married”, and “Previously Married”). It was expected that “Never Married” would have the best model fit and the highest factor loadings and factor scores, followed by “Currently Married”, and then “Previously Married” with the worst fit and lowest factor loadings and factor scores. Tests were calculated with the use of a large, open-source dataset (N = 73,489). The goodness-of-fit scores of the separate groups were estimated and the results showed poor fit. An inspection of the factor loadings revealed that the group “Previously Married” obtained the highest factor loadings. The results of an ANOVA of the mean factor scores showed mixed results and no conclusive evidence for the hypotheses. The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the interpersonal relationships of Machiavellian people and although the results of this study were inconclusive, it only further highlights our need for more research in this area.Show less

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Measurement Invariance on the Influence of Marital Status on Machiavellianism