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

Summary/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 sub-facet 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 Journal Plus Education, Vol 29, no.2/2021 pp. 40-54 41 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.

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