Treatment-relevant predictors of Machiavellianism among substance users

Machiavellianism is a set of personality traits characterized by a callous nature, a belief in engaging in manipulative tactics for personal gain, a cynical and distrusting view of others, and pragmatically moral stance. Behaviors and views of individuals with elevated Machiavellian traits can be seen to have a marked similarity with several behaviors and views of individuals with substance use issues, making it difficult to differentiate between them. Using regression analysis, this exploratory study sought to identify underlying predictors of Machiavellianism. Substance using undergraduate students completed a series of questionnaires related to social connectedness, coping styles, motivation for treatment, and treatment expectations. Significant predictors of Machiavellianism included having an avoidant coping style, endorsing controlled motivation for stopping to use substances, having low treatment outcome expectancies, and feeling socially unconnected to others. This study is an important initial step in discerning differences between substance using individuals scoring higher and lower on a measure of Machiavellianism. With replication and extension, this line of research may usefully inform treatment planning for substance users. Future directions and treatment implications are discussed.