Journal of Gambling Studies, Vol. 20, No. 2, Summer 2004 ( 2004) When Passion Leads to Problematic Outcomes: A Look at Gambling Catherine F. Ratelle Universite ´ Laval Robert J. Vallerand Genevie `ve A. Mageau Franc ¸ois L. Rousseau Pierre Provencher Universite ´ du Que ´bec a ` Montre ´al Vallerand et al. (2003) have proposed that individuals can have two distinct types of passion toward an activity. Harmonious passion, an internal force leading one to choose to engage in the activity, is proposed to be associated with positive conse- quences. Obsessive passion, an internal pressure forcing one to engage in an activity, is posited to be associated with negative consequences. The present study sought to determine the role of the two types of passion in various cognitive and affective states associated with dependence and problems with gambling. Participants (n = 412) were recruited at the Montre ´al Casino and given a questionnaire measuring passion toward gambling, as well as consequences associated with dependence and problem gambling. Results showed that obsessive passion for gambling predicted poorer vitality and con- centration in daily tasks, as well as increased rumination, anxiety, negative mood, guilt, and problem gambling. These relations were not found for harmonious passion for gambling. Results are discussed in light of the motivational approach to passion (Valle- rand et al., 2003). KEY WORDS: harmonious and obsessive passions; dependence; gambling. Please address correspondence to Robert J. Vallerand, Laboratoire de Recherche sur le Com- portement Social (LRCS), De ´partement de Psychologie, Universite ´ du Que ´bec a ` Montre ´al, C.P. 8888, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montre ´al (Que ´bec), Canada, H3C 3P8. E-mail: vallerand.robert_j @uqam.ca. 105 1050-5350/04/0600-0105/0  2004 Human Sciences Press, Inc.