Envy and Schadenfreude in School: An Exploratory Interview Study (Poster 23)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 9:00 am
  In Poster Session: Social and Emotional Learning

Abstract

This study explores envy and schadenfreude in school with a focus on gender differences. Overall, 20 students (50% female, 10-14 years) were recruited, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Participants were asked about envy and schadenfreude situations in school and gender differences in expressing these emotions. Descriptive and content analyses were conducted to explore the data. Contrary to expectations, envy objects are similar for both genders. While schadenfreude occurred for several reasons, some like antipathy or revenge are only mentioned by boys. Both groups also reported that boys experience schadenfreude more often, while girls experience envy more often. Boys, however, are reported to express both emotions more openly.

Authors

• Maximilian Hofleitner, University of Vienna

• Flora Fassl, University of Vienna

• Alina Wunsch, University of Vienna

• Melanie Sticha, University of Vienna

• Marko Lüftenegger, Universität Wien