Early identification of children at risk of unintentional injury: A sensation seeking scale for children 2–5 years of age

Abstract

Objective Sensation seeking is a personality attribute associated with injury in school-age children, adolescents, and adults. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a questionnaire measure of sensation seeking for young children 2–5 years of age. Methods Items tapping aspects of sensation seeking (Novelty Seeking, Behavioral Intensity, Thrill Seeking) were developed, content validation was completed by child development experts, and 72 parents then completed the Sensation Seeking Scale for Young Children (SSSYC) twice (3 months intervening) to establish internal and test–retest reliabilities. To assess criterion validity, scores were related to children's preferences for high versus low sensation seeking activities, their free play behavior in an indoor playroom, and to children's history of unintentional injuries. Results Indices of internal reliability and test–retest reliability were good and questionnaire scores positively correlated with sensation seeking behaviors during free play, preferences for high versus low sensation seeking activities, and injury measures, providing support for criterion validity. Conclusion This initial evaluation of the SSSYC suggests that it is a psychometrically sound measure of sensation seeking. This scale may be useful for identifying high sensation seekers at young ages, providing the opportunity for early intervention to prevent unintentional injuries.