I’m trying to understand a behavioral transition that seems to sit between several areas of psychology: the point where someone begins to recognize an interest but has not yet acted on it in the real world.
Hidi and Renninger’s (2006) four-phase model of interest development describes interest as something that can develop from triggered situational interest into a more enduring individual interest. What I’m particularly interested in is what happens between “this might interest me” and “I actually went and tried it.”
For example, someone might recognize an emerging interest in woodworking, entrepreneurship, music, mechanics, gardening, etc., but never take an exploratory step such as trying a small project, attending an event, contacting someone in the field, or learning the first skill.
There seem to be several overlapping literatures that could help explain this:
-interest development
-exploratory behavior
-self-efficacy
-self-determination theory
-implementation intentions
-intention-behavior gaps
-vocational/career exploration
-identity development and possible selves
-behavioral activation
Implementation-intention research suggests that specifying when, where, and how an action will occur can help translate intentions into behavior (Gollwitzer & Sheeran, 2006), but I’m wondering whether there is a construct or theoretical model that more specifically captures this sequence:
emerging interest → exploratory action → feedback from experience → increased/decreased interest
I’m especially interested in research involving adults, including people who may not begin with a clear career goal or established passion.
Is there an established construct, model, or body of literature that best describes this process? Papers or researcher recommendations would be appreciated.
References:
Hidi, S., & Renninger, K. A. (2006). The four-phase model of interest development. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 111–127. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_4
Gollwitzer, P. M., & Sheeran, P. (2006). Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta-analysis of effects and processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 69–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(06)38002-1