Increased attention to someone or something can be observed not only in humans, but also in animals. However, in psychology, interests are not only a focus on an object or being. It is also a process in which emotions and human activities are involved . Thus, interests are an integral component 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 determined. 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 man, his activity: both physical and mental.
So, if interests are a multilateral multifactorial process, as well as
a personality trait, therefore, they can be described in terms of intensity, depth, sphere, and so on. For example, if something takes our attention, then we can determine the duration, strength, absorption by this object or phenomenon. So, they highlight deep and superficial interests. People also differ in the strength of experience, in intensity. Someone can devote all his life or a significant part of it to one thing, which captures it completely and completely. And the other person, on the contrary, does not seek and is not able to have a deep interest in anything, everything is treated with slight neglect.
You can also evaluate the "scale" of this process. Interests are multilateral, diverse, and broad. Man is carried away by various things and phenomena; he wants to know the world in all its wealth. For example, he may be interested in and versed in music, literature, science, medicine. By the way, most geniuses had precisely 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
personality trait may be switchability or sustainability 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 permanent in their interests and hobbies. For example, once carried away by mathematics, such a person can devote his whole life to it, leaving other areas of science and culture as if 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 second can be attributed to the category of "contemplative." That is, it is interesting to observe or passively learn, but I don’t want to invest much effort in the process. However, enthusiastic people are the engines of progress. It is they who reach the 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 are also to maintain and cultivate such
personality traits that allow people to realize their intellectual and spiritual potential. You can do this in a variety of ways, but family and educational institutions play a key role. It is there that the
interests of a person are laid down and his
creative abilities begin to develop
.