Buzz: Understanding Sensation Seeking and Thrill Seeking

Are you a sensation seeker? Have you ever wondered why people climb Everest, jump out of planes or ski dangerous unmarked trails? Is eagerness to experience the impact of any street drug or gambling away life savings driven by thrill seeking? In this show Dr. Ken Carter, Emory Psychologist and researcher of sensation thinking, considers these questions and more. He discusses the general components of sensation-seeking including thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, boredom susceptibility, and disinhibition. He looks at gender differences, changes across the lifespan and clarifies the neuroscience behind sensation seeking. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of being a thrill seeker, he will even tell you about an online test to determine how much of a sensation seeker you are. Listen in--You will be intrigued.