Machiavellianism Modulates Generalized Trust Decisions and Outcomes Evaluation: Evidence from an ERPs Study

doi:10.12139/j.1672-0628.2026.05.014

Abstract

Abstract: Generalized trust permeates interpersonal interactions and is influenced by personality traits. Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by a utilitarian orientation, disregard for moral norms, and interpersonal manipulation, which may lead individuals with Machiavellianism to exhibit reduced trust during social decision-making. However, the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying generalized trust in such individuals remain poorly understood. To address this issue, 48 undergraduates were recruited and divided into high- and low-Machiavellian groups based on their Mach-IV scores, and then acted as trustors in a one-shot anonymous trust game with strangers, while electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded. The results showed that individuals high in Machiavellianism displayed lower levels of trust toward strangers. Moreover, individuals high in Machiavellianism exhibited a more negative N2 during distrust decisions, and a larger feedback-related negativity difference wave (dFRN) reflecting expectation violation after receiving feedback from the trustee. These findings suggest that individuals high in Machiavellianism possess lower generalized trust, require greater cognitive control for distrust decisions, and experience stronger disappointment when their expectations of reciprocity are violated. This study provides preliminary evidence for the characteristics and cognitive processes underlying generalized trust in Machiavellianism.

Key words: generalized trust, Machiavellianism, ERPs, N2, FRN

摘要： 普遍信任在人际互动中具有重要作用，并受到人格特质影响。马基雅维利主义是一种具有功利取向、漠视道德规范和人际操控等特征的人格特质，这可能使马基雅维利主义者在社会决策中表现出较低的信任倾向。然而，当前对马基雅维利主义者信任决策的认知特征及大脑活动认识尚不充分。48名大学生根据Mach-IV得分被分为高、低马基雅维利主义者，与陌生人完成单次匿名信任博弈并记录脑电。结果显示，高马基雅维利主义者信任选择率更低；在决策阶段其不信任比信任诱发更负的N2波幅；在结果评价阶段其对受托人的背叛与互惠产生更大的FRN差异波。这表明马基雅维利主义者具有较低的普遍信任，且其不信任决策需要更高的认知控制，而当其互惠期望未满足时会产生更强的负性评价。本研究为理解马基雅维利主义者普遍信任的特征和认知过程提供了初步证据。

关键词: 普遍信任, 马基雅维利主义, 事件相关电位, N2, FRN

CLC Number:

B849

GUO Fengbo, LI Siyuan, CHENG Hang, GUO Hongyu, DENG Xi, LIANG Xiuling. Machiavellianism Modulates Generalized Trust Decisions and Outcomes Evaluation: Evidence from an ERPs Study[J]. Studies of Psychology and Behavior, 2026, 24(5): 680-687.

郭丰波, 李思源, 程航, 郭红禹, 邓茜, 梁秀玲. 马基雅维利主义人格调节个体普遍信任决策与结果评价：来自ERPs的证据[J]. 心理与行为研究, 2026, 24(5): 680-687.

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