Schadenfreude is a German term that describes the feeling of pleasure or satisfaction that one experiences from the misfortunes of others. This emotion can arise in various situations, such as when someone faces a setback or fails at something, and it often reflects a sense of superiority or relief that one is not in the same predicament. Psychologists suggest that schadenfreude may stem from social comparisons, where individuals evaluate their own lives against those of others. While it is a common human emotion, it can also lead to feelings of guilt or shame, as it may conflict with societal values of empathy and compassion.