A Content Validation of Work Passion: Was the Passion Ever There?

Work passion research most frequently utilizes the dualistic model of passion, which asserts two types of passion that differ based on the internalization of passion into one’s identity: harmonious (adaptive) and obsessive (maladaptive) passion. While interest in work passion is exponentially increasing, scholars have recently pointed out concerns regarding the content validity of the most commonly used measure of the dualistic model of work passion, The Passion Scale. To address these questions, we conduct a content validation of The Passion Scale employing recent best practices in content validation research. Specifically, we examine the degree of content validity of the focal constructs (i.e., the facets of work passion), as well as the distinctiveness of the focal constructs from orbiting constructs (i.e., related but conceptually and empirically distinct constructs), such as work engagement and workaholism. The findings of this research highlight several areas for improvement regarding the content validity of The Passion Scale. Additionally, we include a pool of sample items that could be used to create a revised scale. Implications and future directions for work passion research are discussed.