SCHADENFREUDE AS A MEDIATOR IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPATHY AND DIFFICULTIES IN FOLLOWING THE RULES

doi>10.24250/jpe/2/2021/DR/ED/RM/RG

Abstract

Researchers have lately been interested in the scientific literature
on the dark triad and antisocial conduct in order to better
comprehend the complexity of human aggression.
Furthermore, studies revealed that breaking rules, physical
violence, and social hostility were three aspects of antisocial
behavior, underlying the Machiavellian correlation of specific
deviant and antisocial behaviors, such as workplace
difficulties, disruptive and counterproductive job action, and
deception. To better understand the evaluation of the subfacet
cynical view of human life, we look at the concept of
schadenfreude, which is defined as one person's enjoyment
from another's suffering.The convenience sample approach
was used in our study, which targeted a group of 390 adult
Romanians.For measuring schadenfreude, and difficulties in
following the rules, this research has used a single item
research question, and for measuring empathy, we have used
the 6 items empathy scale (IPIP), in an online survey shared
on social media platforms. Our research investigated if
Schadenfreude mediates the relationship between empathy
and difficulties in following the rules (Process Model 4 V3.5).
Results confirm our hypothesis, showing that there is a
significant relationship between empathy and difficulties in 

following the rules, but when adding schadenfreude into the
equation, former relationship becomes statistically
insignificant, and all the effect flows through the mediator,
schadenfreude. Thus, the more individuals score on
schadenfreude, the more difficulties show in following the
rules. Conclusions and implications are discussed.