“Passion is defined as a strong inclination toward an activity that people like, that they find important, and in which they invest time and energy.” — Robert J. Vallerand

by Robert Vallerand

(Vallerand et al. 2003)

Robert Vallerand’s Dualistic Model of Passion (DMP) distinguishes between two qualitatively different types of passion that emerge from how an activity is internalized into one’s identity. The key distinction hinges on whether the activity is internalized in a controlled or autonomous fashion.

1. Obsessive Passion

Obsessive Passion is rigid. Your entire identity becomes interconnected with the pursuit itself. Your self-worth attached to your extrinsic success in it. Rest periods away from the pursuit are viewed as a reward for your efforts, but often create feelings of guilt or shame. It is all-consuming.

This form of passion arises from controlled internalization. The activity controls them rather than the other way around.

Consequences of Obsessive Passion:

• Conflict with other life domains: The rigid pursuit often interferes with relationships, health, and other interests. An entrepreneur who cannot disconnect from work, even during family time, exemplifies obsessive passion.
• Brittle well-being: Success provides a temporary boost, but failure threatens the very core of identity. Mood swings and burnout are common.
• Rigid persistence: The person continues even when the activity no longer brings joy, driven by obligation rather than genuine desire.

Example: A musician who feels worthless unless they are practicing or performing, who experiences guilt on days off, and whose entire social circle revolves around their music career. The music stops being a choice and becomes a compulsion.

The pursuit defines the life.

2. Harmonious Passion

Harmonious Passion is adaptive. It is chosen. It aligns with your identity, but it does not supersede it. It is a reflection of your priorities and values. It is naturally energizing. Rest periods away from the pursuit are viewed as an important part of your performance, not a reward for your efforts.

Harmonious passion results from autonomous internalization. The person engages because they want to, not because they have to. The activity enriches the self without dominating it.

Consequences of Harmonious Passion:

• Integration with other life domains: The pursuit coexists flexibly with work, relationships, and other interests. A harmonious entrepreneur can immerse fully in work during business hours and be fully present with family in the evening.
• Resilient well-being: The activity contributes positively to identity without defining it entirely. Failure is disappointing but not devastating.
• Flexible engagement: The person can choose not to engage when circumstances require, without guilt or distress.

Example: A software engineer who loves coding but can walk away from the keyboard to cook dinner, spend time with loved ones, or pursue other hobbies — and returns to coding refreshed rather than resentful.

The life defines the pursuit.

Be primarily internally driven with intrinsic motivation