Table 2 Direct, indirect, and total effect of variables in the model

On Need-supportive

Of Machiavellianism

− 0.14

− 0.14

Of Psychopathy

− 0.27

− 0.27

On Need-thwarting

Of Machiavellianism

0.16

0.09

0.25

Of Need-supportive

− 0.67

− 0.67

On SPA

Of Need-supportive

− 0.33

− 0.33

On Motivation

Of Machiavellianism

− 0.144

− 0.006

− 0.15

Of Psychopathy

− 0.16

− 0.06

− 0.22

Of Narcissism

0.20

0.20

Of Need-supportive

0.29

− 0.08

0.21

Of Need-thwarting

0.15

0.15

Of SPA

− 0.10

− 0.10