Following Passionate Interests to Well-Being

Abstract

This article describes the relationship between interests and well-being by conceptualizing interest as both an emotional state and a stable disposition. First, interest is explored as a distinct emotion or affective state, itself a form of well-being that also leads to other forms of well-being by facilitating the development of diverse life experiences and competencies. Next, the theoretical linkage between affective interest and stable, enduring interests (or what interest inventories measure) is summarized. Finally, evidence suggesting that interests predict well-being in the domains of work and leisure is reviewed. Part of living the good life, the authors conclude, means living the interested life.