SENSATION SEEKING SCALE AS A PREDICTOR OF NEED FOR STIMULATION DURING SENSORY RESTRICTION

Tested the hypothesis that the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) predicts strength of need for stimulation under conditions of sensory restriction. The SSS was administered to 214 male undergraduates. During a 3-hr isolation period, 15 high- and 15 low-SSS scorers were free to button press for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic stimulation. Except for visual stimulation high-SSS scorers button pressed at a higher rate than low-SSS scorers, but the differences were not significant. Low-SSS scorers showed a significantly greater need for visual stimulation than high-SSS scorers. High-SSS scorers showed a significant preference for kinesthetic stimulation, while low-SSS scorers had a significant preference for visual stimulation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.