Abstract

Sensitivity of the Behavioral Activation System (BAS) has been identified as a neurobiological vulnerability in bipolar disorder. This study aimed to investigate how dual passion and savoring function as mechanisms through which BAS contributes to bipolar disorder symptoms. Since BAS seeks rewarding experiences, it can manifest as a passion for activities individuals love. The outcomes of this passion can be adaptive or maladaptive, depending on how well it integrates with the self-system. When the pursuit driven by BAS becomes compulsive, it becomes vulnerable, preventing savoring and potentially leading to an increase in bipolar disorder symptoms. Conversely, when passion aligns harmoniously with the self-system, it may decrease symptoms of bipolar disorder by serving as a resource through savoring. To explore this relationship, 450 cyber university students participated in an online study, completing the Behavioral Activation System Scale (BAS), Passion Scale (PS), Savoring Beliefs Inventory (SBI), Internal State Scale (ISS) to assess current bipolar symptoms, and the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) to evaluate past episodes of mania. Using the SPSS process macro model 80, our hypothesis was supported. We found that when BAS leads to obsessive passion, savoring decreases, establishing an indirect pathway that worsens bipolar disorder symptoms. In contrast, when BAS fosters harmonious passion balanced with other life aspects, there is a significant indirect effect that reduces bipolar disorder symptoms through savoring. The clinical implications of passion and savoring as new mediating mechanisms in bipolar disorder are discussed, along with the study's limitations and suggestions for future research.