ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the development of passion from the viewpoint of Harry Stack Sullivan’s (1892–1949) theoretical concepts. It is the author’s view that the concept of passion, often associated with adolescents and adults, is also part of children’s emotional interpersonal world. Particular attention is given to the Sullivanian concept of chumship and its role in the individual’s emotional development. During the preadolescent developmental stage, children find intimacy outside the family circle. Special relationships, defined by Sullivan as chumships, are passionate, intimate connections that precede more mature emotional bonds. A case is presented where the chumship between two boys is disrupted and, ultimately, abandoned due to different timings in their development. After their friendship ends, the child and therapist develop an emotional connection that resembles a chumship where intimacy and passion are fostered and later expanded to other people. The chapter emphasizes the importance of passion in the chumship relationship and its significance in the overall developmental spectrum.
