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 part of the personality, often defining the character profile of the individual.
In psychological science, a number of basic criteria are singled out, according to which this concept is defined. First, interests are necessarily related to the availability of certain knowledge. However, do not confuse them with simple curiosity. They determine the involvement of the individual in the activity, they are the most important motivators. In addition, interests are a process associated with emotional satisfaction. And this feeling is inextricably linked with the receipt and availability of knowledge, and with activities in this field. Cognitive interest, for example, is characterized not only by curiosity. He manages the actions of man, his activity: both physical and mental.
So, if interests are a multi-faceted multifactorial process, and also a property of the person, therefore, they can be described from the point of view 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 interests and superficial ones. People also differ in the strength of experience, in intensity. Someone can devote a whole life or a large part of it to one thing that captures it entirely. And the other person, on the contrary, does not aspire and is not capable of experiencing a deep interest in anything, everything is treated with slight disdain.
You can also evaluate the "scale" of this process. Interests are multilateral, diverse, broad. A person is attracted to various things and phenomena, he wants to know the world in all his wealth. For example, he can be interested in and understand music, literature, natural sciences, medicine. By the way, most geniuses had a wide horizon. Let us recall at least Leonardo da Vinci, Bulgakov, Einstein. Interests can also be narrow, that is, directed at a particular phenomenon or subject, into a special area of knowledge.
Another characteristic of the personality may be the switchability or the stability of interests. It depends on the temperament, on the psycho-physiological characteristics of a person, although such quality, as perseverance and ability to concentrate, can be developed. Some people easily change hobbies, switch from one to another. Others are constant in their own interests and hobbies. For example, once carried away by mathematics, such a person can devote her entire life, leaving other spheres of science and culture as if on the periphery of consciousness. There may also be strong interests - completely captivating all thoughts, or weak. For the sake of the first person is able to take active action, 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 you do not want to invest much effort in the process. Nevertheless, enthusiastic people are the engines of progress. They 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. Therefore, the interests of society are also in maintaining and cultivating such personality traits that will allow people to realize their intellectual and spiritual potential. This can be done in various ways, but the key role is played by the family and educational institutions. It is there that the interests of a person are laid and creative abilities begin to develop .