3 types of Schadenfreude and when you feel them

a post by Scotty Hendricks for the Big Think blog

Schadenfreude is a common feeling, but not all of it is the same.

• A new model of schadenfreude suggests that there are three sub-types of "harm-joy."
• The study also suggests that depersonalization, the ability to view others as less than human, is the key element of schadenfreude.
• The model could lead to a deeper understanding of schadenfreude and psychopathic traits.

Most people would probably deny it, but everybody has felt a bit of joy at the pain or failure of another person at least once. Think back to when a person you don't like had a misfortune, when the coworker you envy missed a deadline, or when your stupid neighbor opened a store for left-handed people and nearly went broke. Admit it, you smiled a little to think of them falling flat.

This sensation of feeling joy at other people's misfortune is called schadenfreude and means "harm-joy" in German. Lots of people experience it, but our understanding of it is still a bit spotty.

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