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Dualistic Model of Passion (DMP)
The DMP defines passion as a strong inclination toward a self-defining activity that one likes (or even loves), finds important (or highly value), and in which one invests time and energy. It is proposed that there are two types of passion, obsessive and harmonious, that can be distinguished in terms of how the passionate activity has been internalized into one’s identity. Obsessive passion, results from a controlled internalization of the activity into one’s identity. A controlled internalization originates from intra and/or interpersonal pressure typically because certain contingencies are attached to the activity. Conversely, harmonious passion results from an autonomous internalization of the activity into the person’s identity. An autonomous internalization occurs when individuals have freely accepted the activity as important for them without any contingencies attached to it. Harmonious passion is hypothesized to lead to positive outcomes while obsessive passion to less adaptive outcomes.
References:
- Vallerand, R.J. (2015). The psychology of passion. New York: Oxford University Press.
- Vallerand, R.J. (2010). On passion for life activities: The Dualistic Model of Passion. In M.P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in experimental social psychology. New York: Academic Press.
- Vallerand, R.J. (2008). On the psychology of passion: In search of what makes people’s lives most worth living. Canadian Psychology, 49, 1-13. (invited paper, CPA Presidential Address).
- Vallerand, R.J., Blanchard, C. M., Mageau, G.A., Koestner, R., Ratelle, C., Léonard, M., Gagné, M., & Marsolais, J. (2003). Les passions de l’âme: On obsessive and harmonious passion. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 85, 756-767.