Sensation Seeking Scale Form V Research Articles

In memoriam of Marvin Zuckerman: His impact on Spanish Psychology.

The work of recently deceased Marvin Zuckerman is well-known in Psychology. Zuckerman is mainly known around the world for describing the nature of the Sensation Seeking personality trait (with a strong biological basis related to physiology, endocrinology, brain biochemistry and genetics), and its practical usefulness in explaining many human behaviors, especially high-risk behaviors. The article refers to biographical aspects of Zuckerman's career, and presents and presents an outline of results produced in Spain within the Zuckerman framework. We summarize studies conducted in our context with the Sensation Seeking Scale, form V (SSS-V), the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ), the new Zuckerman-Kuhlman-Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA-PQ) and its short form (ZKA-PQ/SF) about psychometric and biological aspects of Zuckerman's theory. Results support the good psychometric properties of the Zuckerman instruments, the transcultural viability of his personality model, and their multiple biological correlates (gonadal hormones, genetic polymorphisms, and electrophysiological variables such as the startle reflex and frontal spectroscopy [fNIR]). The whole picture demonstrates the great usefulness of Zuckerman's theoretical framework in personality psychology research.

Relationships between use of dietary supplements, caffeine and sensation seeking among college students

Objective: Caffeine and dietary supplement (DS) use by college students is not well-documented. Given reported associations between energy drink consumption and sensation seeking, we used the Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V) to assess relationships between sensation-seeking, caffeine, and DS use. Participants: Data from 1,248 college students from five US institutions were collected from 2009 to 2011. Methods: Linear regression was used to examine relationships between scores on the SSS-V and caffeine and DS use, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics. Results: Male sex, nonHispanic race-ethnicity, higher family income, tobacco use, consuming caffeinated beverages, more than 400 mg caffeine per day, and energy drinks with alcohol at least 50% of the time, were significantly associated with higher total SSS-V scores (P < 0.001). Those using protein DSs had higher total, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility SSS-V scores (Ps < 0.001). Conclusions: Results demonstrate a positive correlation between sensation-seeking attitudes and habitual caffeine, energy drink, and DS consumption.

Effects of Emotional Images on Cardiovascular Responses in Males with Coronary Artery Disease and in Healthy Males: The Role of Sensation Seeking

Introduction: Individuals exposed to certain types of images, based on their personality features, experience different emotional states and physiological responses. The present study addressed the effects of stressful and pleasant stimuli on blood pressure and heart rate in male patients with coronary problems and healthy males based on sensation seeking levels. Methods: One hundred and seventy eight male patients with coronary artery diseases referred to Madani Heart Hospital, Tabriz, Iran; and 185 healthy male subjects completed the Sensation Seeking Scale-form V (SSS-V). After obtaining acceptable scores, 100 patients and 100 healthy males were classified in four groups: high sensation seeker patients, low sensation seeker patients, high sensation seeker healthy subjects, and low sensation seeker healthy subjects (each group with 50 samples aged 30-49). First, blood pressures and heart rates were recorded before stimulus induction. Then, the participants were exposed to stressor pictures. After 15 minutes of relaxation, and a cognitive task, the participants were exposed to pleasant pictures. The blood pressure and heart rate were recorded after presenting the two stimuli. Results: High sensation seeker patients achieved lower scores in diastolic blood pressure in comparison with low sensation seeker patients after presenting the stressful stimulus, and healthy high sensation seekers achieved lower scores in systolic blood pressure in comparison with healthy low sensation seekers presented with pleasant stimulus. Conclusions: Low sensation seeker patients experienced negative emotions more than high sensation seeker patients. Therefore, the role of induced mood states may be important in relation to physical health.

INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADULT ATTENTION DEFICIT AND HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (AADHD) AND PERSONALITY CORRELATES RELATED TO SENSATION SEEKING

The scientific literature is proliferated with discussions regarding childhood ADHD and there is great awareness for it in the population. In the last 20 years, however, increasing evidence has emerged to suggest the rising and unremitting persistence of ADHD well into adulthood. Due to its chronic nature, researchers are interested in the possible personality correlates that may underlie the way in which the disorder manifests. The current research examined whether the personality trait of Sensation Seeking, and its accompanying sub-dimensions of: (i) Boredom Susceptibility; (ii) Disinhibition; (iii) Experience Seeking; (iv) Thrill and Adventure Seeking; (v) Novelty; and (vi) Intensity of stimuli can explain a statistically significant amount of adult ADHD variance. In addition to the Sensation Seeking Scale form V (SSS-V), participants were also required to complete the adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Significant positive correlations with adult ADHD were found for the Sensation Seeking sub-dimensions of Disinhibition and Experience Seeking. Thrill and Adventure Seeking on the other hand was found to be unrelated to ADHD in adults. Furthermore, a multiple regression analysis revealed that sensation seeking dimensions can explain a small, yet statistically significant amount of adult ADHD variance. Despite these findings, additional research is necessary to identify other possible factors that could explain adult ADHD variance. The empirical evidence regarding the role of it is scarce and inconsistent. These gaps in our understanding of the relationship between adult ADHD and personality may benefit from the identification of a moderator variable on which these relationships are contingent and that help to predict and understand when these relationships are positive and negative.

Investigation of Personality Traits between Infertile Women Submitted to Assisted Reproductive Technology or Surrogacy.

Personality traits affect human relationships, social interactions, treatment procedures, and essentially all human activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate the personality traitsincluding sensation seeking, flexibility, and happiness among a variety of infertile women who were apt to choose assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy. This is a cross-sectional study that was performed on 251 infertile women who visited Isfahan and Tehran Reproductive Medicine Center. These fertility clinics are located in Isfahan and Tehran, Iran. In this study, 201 infertile women who underwent treatment using ART and 50 infertile women who tended to have surrogacy were chosen by convenience sampling. Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V), Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire (adapted from NEO Personality Inventory-Revised) and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ) were used as research instruments. All participants had to complete the research instruments in order to be included in this study. Data were analyzed by descriptive-analytical statistics and statistical tests including multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and Z Fisher. Statistically significant effects were accepted for P<0.05. In the sensation-seeking variable, there was a meaningful difference between under-study groups. However, the flexibility and happiness variables did not have a significant difference between under-study groups (P<0.001). Interaction between education, employment, and financial status was effective in happiness of infertile women underwent ART (P<0.05), while age, education and financial status were also effective in happiness of infertile women sought surrogacy (P<0.05). A positive meaningful relationship was seen between sensation seeking and flexibility variables in both groups (P<0.05). And a negative meaningful relationship was seen between sensation seeking and happiness in infertile women who sought surrogacy (P<0.05). The difference in rate of relationship between sensation seeking and flexibility was meaningful in infertile women who sought either ART or surrogacy (P<0.05). Sensations seeking as a personality trait is lower in infertile women who underwent treatment using ART compared women who tended to have surrogacy. This study shows that demographic variables are effective in happiness of infertile women. Also, there is a significant relation among sensation seeking, flexibility and happiness in infertile women.

A relationship among circadian typology, sensation seeking and impulsivity

The purpose of the present study is to explore the relationships among circadian typology, sensation seeking, impulsivity, and sex. A sample of 709 university students (380 women) aged 18–32 (22.24 ± 3.16) years completed the Sensation Seeking Scale form-V, the Dickman’s Impulsivity Inventory and the reduced Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire. Men showed higher scores for thrill and adventure seeking, disinhibition, boredom susceptibility and sensation seeking ( p p = .017). Evening-type subjects had significantly higher dysfunctional impulsivity and experience seeking than morning-type, and higher disinhibition and sensation seeking total score than morning- and neither-type subjects ( p

Treatment adherence towards prescribed medications in bipolar-II acute depressed patients: Relationship with cyclothymic temperament and “therapeutic sensation seeking” in response towards subjective intolerance to pain

BackgroundTreatment adherence (TA) is crucial during almost any phase of bipolar disorder (BD), including type-II (BD-II) acute depression. While a number of issues have been traditionally accounted on the matter, additional factors should be likewise involved, including affective temperaments and some clinically suggestive psychopathological traits whose systematic assessment represents the aim of this study. MethodsTwo hundred and twenty BD-II acute depressed outpatients were consecutively evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interviews for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition Axis-I and II Disorders, Hamilton scales for Depression and Anxiety, Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis Pisa Paris San Diego-Auto-questionnaire-110-item, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Zuckerman's Sensation-Seeking Scale-Form-V (SSS-V), Barratt's Impulsivity Scale-11-item, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory modules, Severity module of the Clinical Global Impression Scale for BD, Morisky 8-Item Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and the Clinician Rating Scale (CRS). Patients were divided into non-adherent vs. treatment-adherent cases depending on MMAS-8+CRS scores. ResultsIn the TA− group, higher VAS and cyclothymic temperament scores were highly correlated (r=.699; p≤.001). Those latter scores, along with SSS-V scores and the occurrence of lifetime addiction to painkiller and/or homeopathic medications available over the counter defined a “therapeutic sensation seeking” pattern allowing to correctly classify as much as 93.9% [Exp(B)=3.490; p≤.001] of TA− cases (49/220). LimitsLack of objective TA measures and systematic pharmacological record; recall bias on some diagnoses; and relatively small sample size. ConclusionsStating the burden of TA in BD, additional studies on this regard are aimed, ideally contributing to enhance the management of BD itself.

Factorial Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Sensation Seeking Scale – Form V (SSS-V) in a Sample of Italian Adolescents

The present study was designed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Sensation Seeking Scale – Form V (SSS-V) for the Italian-speaking population. The instrument was administered to 1,530 high school and college students. A second group of 268 high school students completed the SSS-V and the Impulsiveness Questionnaire (IVE). Exploratory factor analysis highlighted a 2-factor structure, Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) and Disinhibition (Dis). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an adequate model fit. Internal consistency of the subscales was marginally supported using the alpha reliability measure. Convergent validity was supported by significant positive correlations between Venturesomeness IVE subscale and both TAS and Dis. As a proof of discriminant validity, Impulsiveness was found to be not related to TAS and lowly correlated to Dis. Our results corroborated the outcomes of many previous studies suggesting the need to test the SSS-V degree of factor invariance and factor structure stability. Further analyses involving independent samples are required to confirm the present findings.

Hand-grip strength and sensation seeking

Sensation seeking denotes the tendency to seek novel, varied, complex, and intense sensations and experiences, and describes the willingness to take risks for the sake of such experiences. Some studies have demonstrated correlates of both circulating and prenatal testosterone with sensation seeking. Hand-grip strength (as a measure of overall muscular strength) is also known to show associations with measures of circulating testosterone, and certain physical and behavioural characteristics, particularly in men. This study examines the possible relationship between hand-grip strength and sensation seeking, assessed via the Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V) in 117 males aged 18–30 years. A positive and significant correlation was found between hand-grip strength and SSS-V total score and thrill and adventure seeking (TAS) after controlling for weight, height, and engagement with sporting activities. We discuss our findings with reference to other studies reporting associations between biological and personality characteristics.

Morningness-eveningness preference and sensation seeking

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between circadian preference and sensation seeking. To this aim 1041 university students (408 males and 633 females), ranging in age between 18 and 30 years, filled the reduced version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr) and the Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V). Males scored higher than females in SSS-V total score and all subscales, except experience seeking (ES). As regards circadian preference, evening types scored higher than morning types in SSS-V total score and all subscales, except boredom susceptibility (BS) where they significantly differed only from intermediate types. On the whole our results highlight a significant relationship between circadian preference and sensation seeking.

An examination of the ImpSS scale as a valid and reliable alternative to the SSS-V in optimum stimulation level research

The sensation-seeking paradigm is noted to be important to the study of human behavior across a variety of domains (Joireman & Kuhlman, 2004). Of the several measures employed to assess this trait, the most popular is Zuckerman’s (1979) Sensation Seeking Scale, Form V (SSS-V). Despite its wide application, however, recent criticisms have been levied against the psychometrics of the SSS-V. As part of a psychobiological model of personality, the sensation-seeking and impulsivity traits combine to form an Impulsive Sensation Seeking (ImpSS) factor (Zuckerman et al., 1993). Even with this re-conceptualization of sensation seeking, the literature suggests that the 40-item SSS-V is the most widely used assessment of the trait. Building on previous research, the validity and reliability of ImpSS is evaluated and compared to the more established SSS-V and a third OSL measure, the Change Seeking Index (CSI: Steenkamp & Baumgartner, 1995) in both homogeneous ( n = 201) and heterogeneous ( n = 256) samples. Findings indicate ImpSS to be a valid and reliable alternative to SSS-V. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) results point to concurrent validity of ImpSS and SSS-V. In addition, the predictive validity of ImpSS compares favorably to SSS-V and CSI in the context of high-risk behavioral correlates (gambling, smoking, and drinking).

Sensation Seeking and Visual Selective Attention in Adults with HIV/AIDS

The association between sensation seeking and visual selective attention was examined in 31 adults with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Sensation seeking was measured with Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V). Selective attention was assessed with a perceptual span task, where a target letter-character must be identified in a quickly presented array of nontarget letter-characters. As predicted, sensation seeking was strongly associated (R(2) = .229) with perceptual span performance in the array size 12 condition, where selective attention demands were greatest, but not in the easier conditions. The Disinhibition, Boredom Susceptibility, and Experience Seeking subscales of the SSS-V were associated with span performance. It is argued that personality factors such as sensation seeking may play a significant role in selective attention and related cognitive abilities in HIV positive adults. Furthermore, sensation seeking differences might explain certain inconsistencies in the HIV neuropsychology literature.

Cortisol effects of d-amphetamine relate to traits of fearlessness and aggression but not anxiety in healthy humans

The current study utilized personality measures thought to relate to noradrenergic and catecholamine function (i.e., sensation seeking, anxiety and aggression) to investigate individual differences in amphetamine-induced increases in cortisol. The goal of the study was to better understand variations in responses to psychostimulants in healthy volunteers. Method A placebo-controlled within-subjects investigation of salivary cortisol responses to oral d-amphetamine (20 mg) was conducted in seventy ( N = 70) young adults. Personality traits were assessed using the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V) and the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire-Brief Form (MPQ-BF). Results A more rapid rise in salivary cortisol after d-amphetamine was associated with SSS-V Thrill Seeking ( r = − 0.32 with time to peak, p < 0.05). A greater peak increase in cortisol and a greater recovery after amphetamine was positively associated with MPQ-BF Aggression ( r = + 0.35, p < 0.05; r = + 0.38, p < 0.05). In contrast, cortisol responses were unrelated to a composite measure of trait anxiety (EPI/MPQ-BF Anxiety Index). Conclusions The findings suggest that the personality traits of aggression and thrill seeking are related to cortisol responses to d-amphetamine, raising the possibility that personality may predispose certain individuals to use drugs through a glucocorticoid pathway. The data also suggest a distinction between fear and anxiety, as amphetamine-induced cortisol responses were associated with measures of trait fear but not measures of trait anxiety in the current sample.

Second to fourth digit ratio and sensation seeking

Sensation seeking has been described as a trait referring to the tendency to seek novel, varied, complex, and intense sensations and experiences; and the willingness to take risks for the sake of such experiences. Explanations for sensation seeking have been based upon genetic, evolutionary, psychophysiological, and sociocultural models. This study further examines the possibility that prenatal hormones – as measured via 2D:4D finger length ratio – may influence the development of certain personality characteristics associated with sensation seeking ( Austin, Manning, McInroy, & Mathews, 2002). We studied the relationship between 2D:4D ratios, a supposed proxy for prenatal testosterone (T), and sensation seeking as assessed by the Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (SSS-V) in a sample of 278 German and UK University students. There were significant sex differences for 2D:4D and on the SSS-V, with males having lower 2D:4D ratios, but higher SSS-V scores. Furthermore, right- and left-hand 2D:4D in males was significantly negatively associated with total sensation seeking score, and the boredom subscale. No significant associations were found for women. Since low 2D:4D is supposed to indicate exposure to higher levels of T in utero, our data suggest that there may be an organizational effect of T which influences later development of sensation seeking personality characteristics in men.

The relationship between cognitive distortions, impulsivity, and sensation seeking in a non-clinical population sample

This paper examines the relationship between cognitive distortions, impulsivity and sensation seeking. It has been suggested that individuals with psychological problems have a tendency to make negative interpretations and dysfunctional predictions of events. It remains unclear how impulsive individuals interpret the situations that may contribute to their unplanned, rapid reactions with disregard to the consequences of behaviour. A battery of self-report scales measuring cognitive distortions ( Cognitive Distortion Scale), impulsivity ( Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11), sensation seeking ( Sensation Seeking Scale form-V), depression ( Beck Depression Inventory),and anxiety ( Beck Depression Inventory) was administered to a sample of 100 normal people, mainly undergraduate students to examine this. Individuals with high impulsivity had significantly higher levels of dysfunctional cognitions and sensation seeking. Multiple regression analysis showed that only impulsivity and age factors were significant predictors of cognitive distortions, with impulsivity positively correlated, and age negatively correlated, with cognitive distortions. These findings have clinical implications suggesting that cognitive-behavioural interventions targeting information processing characterized by specific cognitive distortions may help people with high levels of impulsivity regulate their behaviour and emotions more effectively, thereby increasing self-control.

The relationship between impaired decision-making, sensation seeking and readiness to change in cigarette smokers

Objective The study investigated whether impaired decision-making as measured by the Gambling Task and Sensation Seeking, on one hand, and nicotine-dependence and readiness to change, on the other hand, show mutual influences in cigarette smokers. Methods Cigarette smokers were classified as dependent or non-dependent smokers. Assessment included stages of change (RCQ), decisional balance (DBS), Sensation Seeking Scale Form-V (SSS-V), and performance on the Gambling Task (GT). Results With the exception of a significant higher score in the SSS-V subscale Experience Seeking in dependent smokers, correlations between nicotine-dependence and cognitive features were not significant. The directions of the non-significant differences were not consistent. No significant relationship was found between the SSS-V and the GT, on one hand, and the readiness to change smoking behaviour, on the other hand. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that impaired performance on the GT and high scores in Sensation Seeking do not play an important role in nicotine-dependence and readiness to change smoking behaviour or vice versa.

Brief measures of sensation seeking for screening and large-scale surveys

Sensation seeking is central to research on the prevention of risky health behaviors, but current measures of sensation seeking are fairly long, thereby reducing their chances of inclusion in some research projects. Hence, we developed and evaluated two brief indices of sensation seeking, a four-item measure that retains the framework of the Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V) and a shorter two-item measure focusing on the risk-taking elements of sensation seeking. We compared the performance of the new indices with that of two well documented but longer measures of sensation seeking. The evaluation was based on data provided by more than 5000 teens and pre-teens in grades 7 through 11. Psychometric analyses revealed that the internal consistency of the two new measures was very good overall and across grade and sex categories. Additionally, the new indices correlated as expected with a series of risk and protective factors as well as tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Both indices performed in ways remarkably similar to the established measures of sensation seeking and should prove useful for future research involving risky health behaviors.

Relating sensation seeking and the von Restorff Isolation Effect.

Sensation seeking was examined in a short-term memory task involving the serial recall of a 10-item list of consonants with (isolated) and without (non-isolated) a distinctively larger item in the fifth position. 126 students were given the Sensation Seeking Scale Form-V and 32 10-item lists to memorize in a 1 by 3 mixed design. Sensation seeking was a between-subject factor and Blocks (Trials 1-16 and 17-32), Isolation (isolated and nonisolated), and Duration (2 sec. and 10 sec.) were within-subject factors. Generally nonisolated lists and the larger letters (the von Restorff Isolation Effect) were better recalled, with the latter being stronger at the shorter duration. Only the high sensation-seeking group showed a Blocks effect for lists with an isolated item such that there was a greater number of items correct per list in Block 1 than in Block 2. This finding is consistent with the argument that higher scores on sensation seeking are associated with greater cortical arousal and better memory for newness and change. Students with high sensation-seeking scores showed superior memory for the isolated list when it contained an isolate if allowed more processing time. It is argued that high sensation-seeking scores were associated with more effective transfer of items from shorter to longer-term memory. A rapid nontime-dependent perceptual process was used to explain the isolation effect. The poorer overall list performance for the lists with the isolate was explained in terms of the intense nature of the isolate.

Family study of sensation seeking

The paper presents the results of the family study of sensation seeking. The sample consisted of high school students and their parents: 151 offspring (95 females and 56 males), 148 mothers and 118 fathers. Both offspring and their parents completed Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V). Parents also completed the Parental Behaviour Scale (PBS). Parental Behaviour Scale is a measure of parental behaviour developed for the purpose of this research. It consists of 10 items measuring two dimensions of parental behaviour: parental affection and parental control. Each parent had to report his/her own behaviour, as well as the behaviour of their partners. Parents’ SSS-V and PBS scores were related with the offsprings’ SSS-V scores. Father–offspring correlations ranged between 0.18 and 0.27 for different sensation-seeking subscales, while mother–offspring correlations ranged between 0.02 and 0.24. Regressions of offspring on midparent scores ranged between 0.19 and 0.32. Mother–father correlations were statistically significant for all subscales, except for Thrill and Adventure Seeking Scale, and ranged between 0.26 and 0.46 suggesting assortative mating for sensation seeking in this sample. The only measure from PBS that correlated with children's sensation seeking was fathers’ parental control (average fathers’ control correlated 0.24 with total children's SSS score).

Relationships among extraversion, openness to experience, and sensation seeking

Abstract This study was designed to examine the relationships among Extraversion, Openness to Experience (and their facets), measured through the NEO-PI-R, and the Sensation Seeking construct and its sub-scales, measured through the Sensation Seeking Scale, form V (SSS-V). The sample comprised 1006 non-psychology undergraduates doing different degrees. In general, relationships among the SSS total scale and the four sub-scales (TAS, ES, Dis, BS) are mainly accounted for by the E5-Excitement Seeking facet of the NEO-PI-R. The other Extraversion facets as well as those of Openness, except O4-Actions, explain little variance. Taking together E5, O4 and O1, 85% of the higher and lower scorers on SSS-V are classified properly.