PASSION Making Life Worth Living Damon Burton University of Idaho

2 Perspectives on Passion First, passion entails loss of reason & control. Plato believed reason moved people upward toward the divine, while passion take people downward toward animal instincts & the flesh. Second, passion reflect human qualities. Aristotle recommended passions be controlled by reasons to prevent negative outcomes. Descartes defined passions as strong emotions with inherent behavioral tendencies that can be positive as long as reason underlies behavior.

Contemporary Ideas on Passion Frijda et al. (1991) suggest passions are high-priority goals with emotionally important outcomes. Most passion research has been conducted in the are of close relationships (i.e., romantic passion). Glasser (1976) looked at the related topic of “positive addiction” (i.e., running). Scanlan et al’s (1992) sport commitment model is related to passion. SDT suggests Intrinsic Motivation shares similarities with passion.

How is passion related to intrinsic motivation and how is it different?

IM & Passion – Similarities & Differences Both concepts involve interest and liking toward an activity. IM activities are not typically seen as internalized into the person’s identity and emerge from the person-task interaction on a short-term basis. IM does also address the dual nature of passion as both adaptive (IM) and maladaptive (EM/AM).

What are the 2 types of passion and what differentiates between them?

2 Types of Passion The Dual Model of Passion (DMP) defines passion as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity one likes, even loves, finds important and invests heavily in (i.e., time, energy & resources). Harmonious Passion (HP) results from autonomous internalization of the activity into a person’s identity. Obsessive Passion (OP) results from a controlled internalization of the activity into one’s identity.

Harmonious Passion Autonomous internalization of HP arises from intrinsic and integrative tendencies of the self, produces motivation to engage in the activity willingly, and creates a sense of control and personal choice for pursuing the activity. When engaged in HP, people do not experience an uncontrollable urge to engage in the passionate activity, rather they freely do so. The person remains in control of the passionate activity. With HP, the activity is in harmony with other aspects of their self, is at play, and fully mindful.

Harmonious Passion HP individuals should be fully focused on the task and experience positive outcomes both during the task (e.g., + affect, focus & flow) and after engagement (e.g., + affect, life satisfaction). Minimal conflict between the passionate activity (PA) and other life activities. When prevented from engaging in the PA, the person adapts well to the situation and focus on other life activities, making behavioral engagement in the PA flexible.

Obsessive Passion Obsessive Passion (OP) results in controlled internalization of the activity into one’s identify. OP internalization leades to values and regulations associated with the activity to be only partially internalized at best. Controlled internalization originates from intra- and interpersonal pressure, when contingencies are attached to the activity such as feelings of social acceptance/self-esteem or because the sense of excitement derived from activity engagement in uncontrolled. OPs experience an uncontrollable urge to partake in the activity that they view as important and enjoyable.

Obsessive Passion OP individuals cannot help but to engage in the PA. Passion must run its course because it controls the person. OP leads people to display rigid persistence toward the activity because often they cannot help but engage in the PA. OP leads to fragile and contingent self-esteem, prompting them to become defensive rather than open to new information and experiences. OPs rigid persistence often creates conflict with others in their lives

Initial Passion Research 60% of participants were passionate about a sport or PA activity. On average, participants reported engaging in their PA 8.5 hours per week for almost 6 years. 84% indicated a moderate level of passion (i.e., 4 on a 7-pt scale). The Passion Scale has two 6-item subscales measuring HP and OP. HP item – “This activity is in harmony with other activities in my life.” OP item – “I almost have an obsessive feeling toward the activity.”

Development of Passion Activity Selection – preference of PA to alternate activities. Activity Valuation – importance of PA increases internalization into identify. Internalization into Person’s Identity – greater value of PA to identity over time.

Development of Passion

Passion and Well-Being

Passion and Physical Health

Passion and Performance

Passion and Relationships