The role of passion in the resilience process

ABSTRACT

This article focuses on the construct of passion as well as its consequences on people’s functioning and resilience. First, the concept of passion is introduced briefly, followed by a presentation of the dualistic model of passion, the dominant theory on passion and associated research. The dualistic model of passion posits that harmonious passion, a type of passion that is well-integrated into one’s life and identity, leads to adaptive outcomes. Conversely, obsessive passion, an all-consuming type of passion, leads to less adaptive, and at times maladaptive, outcomes. Results of two lines of research on the role of passion in the resilience process provide additional support for the dualistic model of passion. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Harmonious passion
• obsessive passion
• resilience
• optimal functioning in society
• dualistic model of passion

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Canada Research Chairs, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, and the Fonds de Recherche Québec - Culture et Société.