Marie Curie vs. Serena Williams: ambition leads to extremism through obsessive (but not harmonious) passion

Abstract Extremism occurs when a certain need, for instance, significance quest, overrides other human motivations. Based on the Significance Quest Theory, we argue that ambition—a specific aspect of quest—can lead to extremism, particularly through obsessive passion. In an Italian sample (Study 1, N = 249) predicted and found ambition was positively related both harmonious passion; however, only passion extremism. To bolster generalize our findings conducted second study involving American participants 2, 300). We confirmed mediating role in relationship between while did not find The present research has theoretical implications it constitutes first evidence might share some aspects with quest sheds new light field. Moreover, provide practical ways prevent