Doing It in the Dirt: High sensation seeking motocross racers

Abstract

Determining the psychological characteristics of long‐term participants in a high‐risk sport is relevant to understanding their persistence with the chosen sport. Studies have shown that participants in high‐risk sports such as skydiving, big wave surfing and mountain climbing have higher scores on Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale than people in the general population. This study sets out to investigate whether motocross racers in Central Queensland, Australia, have high sensation seeking scores. Sensation seeking was measured using Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Form V and motocross racers were found to be high sensation seekers. In addition, sensation seeking was compared to the generation of the participant (Millennnial, Generation X or Baby Boomer) as a new avenue of research. Central Queensland motocross racers have very high Disinhibition subscale scores related to partying, drinking, willingness to undertake new experiences and enjoying ‘sexy’ scenes in movies, and have a preference for alcohol over illicit drugs. Previous research suggested that scores on two subscales of sensation seeking (Thrill and Adventure Seeking, and Experience Seeking) decline with age at faster rates than the scores on the other two subscales (Disinhibition and Boredom Susceptibility), but this study provides contrary results. Thrill and Adventure Seeking did decline quickly with generation of the participant but Experience Seeking scores actually increased from the Millennials to the Baby Boomers. Disinhibition scores did decrease at a slower rate than Thrill and Adventure Seeking. However, riders younger than 23 (the Millennials) and 44 years of age or older (Baby Boomers) had higher Boredom Susceptibility scores than those aged 23 to 43 years (Generation X).