Ingroup victories usually bring more joy than rivals' failures, but intense rivalry and recent ingroup losses make rivals' misfortunes, especially deserved ones, exceptionally satisfying.
People often feel simultaneous anger and tenderness toward those they dislike, and acknowledging ambivalent compassion allows care and critique to coexist.
Need Pain Relief? Schadenfreude or Altruism: It's Your Choice
Altruism alleviates physical pain by activating specific brain regions, while schadenfreude offers short-term relief but has destructive, addictive qualities.