Sensation Seeking

Introduction

The first sensation seeking scale (SSS) was based on the hypothesis that there were consistent individual differences in optimal levels of stimulation and arousal (Zuckerman et al., 1964). The construct of an optimal level of stimulation was first decribed by Wundt at the end of the 19th century and translated into physiological terms by Hebb in the middle of the 20th century. Hebb (1955) also developed an idea of an optimal level of arousal based on the interaction between sensory stimulation and the reticulocortical activation system, a homeostatic neurological system regulating the arousal level of the cortex needed for effective cue function. The development of the first form (II) of the SSS was based on Hebb's construct trying to translate it into behavioural and preference characteristics of individuals.

The development of further forms of the SSS, changes in the theory of sensation seeking, and the research using the scales or other similar scales has [Page 885]been described in two major books (Zuckerman, 1979, 1994). The most recent definition of the trait from the 1994 book is: ‘Sensation seeking is a trait defined by the seeking of varied, novel, complex, and intense sensations and experiences, and the willingness to take physical, social, legal, and financial risks for the sake of such experience’ (Zuckerman, 1994: 27).

The earlier theory was based on the neurophysiology of the 1950s, centred around the discovery of the reticulocortical system. Advances in the neurosciences, particularly in psychopharmacology, and the use of animal models to define the trait has changed our conception of the biological basis of sensation seeking. These new models are described in more recent articles and books (e.g. Zuckerman, 1984, 1994, 1995).

Development of Scales

The first experimental form of the SSS included many items that were rationally derived from the idea of a need for intense and varied stimulation. The items were written in a forced choice form with one option representing what was thought to be the choice of a high sensation seeker and the other the choice of a low sensation seeker. The forced choice form was used in an attempt to control the choices for their social desirability values. The items in form I were given to student subjects and their item responses were intercorrelated and factor analysed with the idea of finding one broad general factor from the unrotated item loadings. Form II was based on the items defining this general factor in both men and women.

Subsequent analyses of rotated factors in form II suggested the existence of narrower factors beyond the broad general factor. New items were added to amplify the suggested factors in the experimental form III. These items were again factor analysed but this time with rotation in order to define significant additional factors. Form IV consisted of the General Scale, confirmed by the unrotated first factor in the new study, and four scales consisting of the items loading most highly on each of the four factors. These factors are as follows.