The internal structure of enthusiasm: a prototype analysis

Motivation and Emotion, vol. 49, pp. 183–196

Abstract

Abstract The term enthusiasm is used frequently in both day-to-day language and professional settings. Scientifically, however, enthusiasm is not clearly defined. It is conceptualized and measured in different ways. In the present research, we examined the internal structure of enthusiasm. First, 28 features of enthusiasm were identified (Study 1.1) and rated on their centrality (Study 1.2). Results showed that features indicating joy and motivation were rated as central to the concept of enthusiasm, whereas features indicating restlessness and impatience were rated as less central. The validity of the central features was supported in three follow-up studies. More specifically, we found that the more central features were recalled better (Study 2.1), recognized faster (Study 2.2), and more often mentioned in autobiographical recalls of enthusiasm (Study 2.3). Taken together, the findings indicate that enthusiasm is prototypically structured, and that prototypical enthusiasm is a positive, energetic feeling that is associated with goal orientation and often involves interpersonal contact.

Authors 3

1. Rijn Vogelaar corresponding Aachen Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, Leiden University, PO Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, The Netherlands

2. Eric van Dijk Aachen Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, and Knowledge Centre Psychology and Economic Behaviour

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, and Knowledge Centre Psychology and Economic Behaviour, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. WILCO W. VAN DIJK Aachen Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, and Knowledge Centre Psychology and Economic Behaviour

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Social, Economic and Organisational Psychology, and Knowledge Centre Psychology and Economic Behaviour, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands