Research summary
Passion motivates people to power through challenges, overcome obstacles and achieve great things. But where does passion come from? Dr. Robert J. Vallerand, Canada Research Chair in Motivational Processes and Optimal Functioning, is trying to find out.
So far, two different types of passion have been discovered: harmonious and obsessive. A person who feels harmonious passion is in control of the thing they love. But a person who feels obsessive passion is controlled by that object or activity. Vallerand and his research team are exploring both types to find out how they help people to function optimally in a range of areas—such as performance and creativity, the ability to thrive under pressure, and resilience after failure. Ultimately, their research will advance our understanding of the role that passion plays in our ability to live our best lives.