The relationship between machiavelism, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, and loneliness among white collar workers

Considering the several negative effects of loneliness as an undesirable and hurtful emotion, it is important to discover how it occurs. Although Machiavellianism and narcissism are associated with loneliness, the number of studies that have investigated their relationship is relatively limited. This study, therefore, aims to investigate the relationship between Machiavelism, narcissism, and loneliness among white-collar workers. In addition, it is also aimed to examine whether the level of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and loneliness are related to sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, as indicated by several previous studies. The study was carried out with 200 white-collar employees selected by snowball sampling. Data was collected using an online questionnaire that included a sociodemographic information form, Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale, Machiavellianism Scale, and UCLA Loneliness Scale. The results failed to indicate a relationship between sociodemographic variables and Machiavellianism and narcissism scale scores. In addition, several significant correlations were obtained between Machiavellianism, narcissism, and loneliness scale variables. Finally, a stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed Distrust subscale of Machiavellinaism Scale and Hypersensitive Narcissism Scale scores as well as male gender as significant predictors of loneliness. The findings presented by this study are considered to make a significant contribution to the limited and controversial literature.