The structural model of the relationship between schadenfreude based on emotions with the mediating role of cyberspace among high school students in Hamedan.

Abstract :

This study investigated the structural relationship between schadenfreude, based on personality traits, and the mediating role of cyberspace among 363 high school students in Hamedan, Iran, in 2024. A descriptive research design using structural equation modeling was employed. Participants were selected via simple random sampling from a population of 6,527 students. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing schadenfreude, the Five-Factor Model of personality, and cyberspace usage. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 28 and Smart PLS 3.3 software, including descriptive and inferential statistics and structural equation modeling.

The findings indicated that the proposed model demonstrated good psychological properties and fit indices. Notably, emotions showed a significant relationship with schadenfreude, both directly and indirectly through the mediating influence of cyberspace. Cyberspace acted as a strong mediator in the relationship between emotions and schadenfreude. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between cyberspace usage and schadenfreude; increased cyberspace use correlated with higher levels of schadenfreude among students (p < 0.05).

The study concluded that schadenfreude is a significant negative phenomenon in adolescents requiring further examination. The results suggest that managing students' emotions and their use of cyberspace could be effective strategies for controlling or reducing schadenfreude in this population.

References:

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