Machiavellianism, perceived quality of alternative mates, and resistance to mate guarding

Abstract

Women higher on Machiavellianism may benefit from controlling their resistance to a partner's mate guarding behaviour. This may reduce the likelihood of relationship dissolution whilst retaining opportunities to engage in extra-pair relationships. Women (N = 197) completed the Mach IV (Christie & Geis, 1970), Quality of Alternatives Scale (Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998), and the Resistance to Mate Guarding Scale (Cousins, Fugure, & Riggs, 2015). Women with higher levels of Machiavellianism displayed greater resistance to their partner's mate guarding. In particular, Machiavellianism predicted more frequent use of covert resistance and resisting control. Furthermore, women higher in Machiavellianism who perceived a high quality of alternative mates resisted their partner's public displays of affection. These findings further demonstrate the manner in which Machiavellianism influences behaviour in long-term romantic relationships.