The moderating effect of alienation in the relationship between schadenfreude and aggression

Schadenfreude (pleasure felt at someone else's misfortune), which is seen as incompatible with social norms, is an emotion that is difficult to observe directly in individuals, Although the feeling of schadenfreude is acquired by passively observing the misfortune or harm of others, it is also considered a tendency that can pave the way for aggression. In a rapidly digitizing and urbanizing environment, individuals' human relationship can transform both behaviorally and emotionally. Within this transformation, individuals can begin to alienate themselves from both themselves and their surroundings. The moral disengagement, meaninglessness and normlessness brought about by alienation individuals become variables that can affect the natüre of the relationship between schadenfreude and aggression. The aim of this study is to examine the moderating effect of alienation on the relationship between schadenfreude and aggression. The sample of the study consists of 250 individuals aged 18 and over residing in Istanbul. Participants completed the Demographic Information Form, the Schadenfreude Scale, the Buss-Perry Aggression Scale and Dean's Alienation Scale online, and data were collected between February and April 2025. SPSS 26.0 program was used to analyze the data in this study. Pearson correlation analysis and linear regression analysis conducted on the study's hypotheses revealed a positive and significant relationship (r= 0.204) between schadenfreude and aggression. Regulatory variable analysis showed that alienation did not have a regulatory effect on this relationship. ANOVA and t-tests were used in the analysis of demographic information. Accordingly, while significant differences were found for some demographic information in terms of participants' levels of schadenfreude, aggression, and alienation, no significant differences were found for others. In conclusion, the study makes an original contribution to the literature by examining the relationship between schadenfreude and aggression in the context of alienation. The study demonstrates the influence of emotional and social processes in the assessment of aggressive behavior. Accordingly, recommendations are made to strengthen individuals' social support and social participation.