Increased attention to someone or something can be observed not only in people, but also in animals. However, in psychology, interests are not only a focus on any object or being. It is also a process in which emotions and human activity are involved. Thus, interests are an integral part of the personality, often determining the characterological profile of the individual.
In psychological science, a number of basic criteria are distinguished, according to which this concept is defined. First, interests are necessarily associated with the presence of certain knowledge. However, do not confuse them with simple curiosity. They determine the involvement of the individual in the activity, are the most important motivators. In addition, interests are a process associated with emotional satisfaction. Moreover, this feeling is inextricably linked with the acquisition and availability of knowledge, and with activities in this area. Cognitive interest, for example, is characterized not only by curiosity. He directs the actions of a person, his activity: both physical and mental.
So, if interests are a multilateral multifactorial process, andalso a property of personality, therefore, they can be described in terms of intensity, depth, scope, and so on. For example, if something occupies our attention, then we can determine the duration, strength, absorption of this object or phenomenon. So, they distinguish between deep interests and superficial ones. People also differ in the strength of the experience, in intensity. Someone can devote his whole life or a significant part of it to one thing that captures him completely. And the other person, on the contrary, does not strive and is not able to have a deep interest in anything, treats everything with slight disdain.
You can also evaluate the "scale" of this process. Interests are multilateral, diverse, broad. A person is fascinated by various things and phenomena, he wants to know the world in all its richness. For example, he may be interested in and understand music, literature, natural sciences, medicine. By the way, most geniuses had a broad outlook. Let us recall at least Leonardo da Vinci, Bulgakov, Einstein. Interests can also be narrow, that is, focused on a specific phenomenon or subject, on a special field of knowledge.
Another characteristic of a person can be switchability or stability of interests. It depends on temperament, on the psychophysiological characteristics of a person, although such a quality as perseverance and the ability to concentrate can be developed. Some people easily change hobbies, switch from one to another. Others are constant in their interests and hobbies. ToFor example, once fascinated by mathematics, such a person can devote his whole life to it, leaving other areas of science and culture, as it were, on the periphery of consciousness. Interests can also be strong - completely captivating all thoughts, or weak. For the sake of the first, a person is able to take active actions, he is engaged in creativity, is in constant search. The latter can be classified as "contemplative". That is, it is interesting to observe or passively learn, but I don’t want to put much effort into the process. However, passionate people are the engines of progress. It is they who reach heights, achieve outstanding results in science and culture. It is thanks to them that discoveries are made, they create all kinds of inventions. Consequently, the interests of society also lie in maintaining and cultivating such personal qualities that will allow people to realize their intellectual and spiritual potential. This can be done in a variety of ways, but families and educational institutions play a key role. It is there that the interests of a person are laid and his creative abilities begin to develop.
