A review of behavioral and biological correlates of sensation seeking

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of studies related to sensation seeking. A description of sensation seeking and methodology to measure various preferences for sensation seeking is identified. In addition, the relation of sensation seeking with other personality factors is also examined. Various behavioral expressions of sensation seeking in the domains of vocational choices, habits, hobbies, risk perception, and risk appraisal are explored. Furthermore, biological characteristics related to sensation seeking are highlighted. Lastly, areas for future research are suggested, especially the investigation of non-risky forms of sensation seeking in young adults. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.