THE INTERSECT OF DARKNESS: A QUANTITATIVE EXPLORATION OF MACHIAVELLIANISM, EXTRINSIC GOALS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING IN YOUNG ADULTS

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of Machiavellianism and extrinsic goals on subjective well-being of young adults. It was hypothesized that Machiavellianism and extrinsic goals are likely to negatively predict well-being in young adults. Furthermore, demographic variables are likely to predict well-being in young adults. The sample comprised 150 young adults with an age range of 20-30 years. Convenient sampling was used. Demographic information sheet, Two-Dimensional Machiavellianism Scale (TDMS), Aspirations Index, and Subjective Well-being (BBC-SWB) scale were used as assessment measures. Pearson Product Moment correlation was used to find out the relationship between study variables. Moreover, hierarchical regression analysis was used to find out the predictors of well-being. The results revealed that Machiavellianism negatively predicted subjective well-being in young adults. Findings revealed that extrinsic goals were not a predictor of well-being. Further, no demographic variable predicted well-being in young adults. The findings of the study are beneficial for awareness regarding the harms of Machiavellian traits.