Date Presented 04/13/21
Studies on sensation-seeking behavior appear in both psychology and OT literature, although it is unclear if these disciplines are measuring related constructs. This study sought to calculate the degree of correlation between these constructs and determine the relationship among sensation seeking, age, and substance use. The results provide a basis for improved communication between disciplines regarding the discussion of sensation-seeking behaviors.
Primary Author and Speaker: Emily Schuette
Additional Authors and Speakers: Lorrie George-Paschal, Brittany Womack
PURPOSE: Studies on sensation seeking behavior appear in both psychology and occupational therapy literature. Psychology literature tends to view sensation seeking as a personality trait that may predispose some individuals to engage in risk-taking behavior such as drug use, while occupational therapists study sensation seeking from a neurological sensory-processing perspective. It is unclear if these disciplines are examining related constructs. The objectives of this study were to 1) calculate the degree of correlation between sensation seeking behaviors as measured using psychology and occupational therapy assessments, 2) to determine if age is a predictor of sensation seeking behavior, and 3) to determine if sensation seeking behavior predicts substance use.
DESIGN: This study was non-experimental and correlational in design. A total of 101 participants between the ages of 18-67 (mean = 42.5 years) were recruited using convenience sampling.
METHOD: Participants completed two measures of sensation seeking, the Sensation Seeking Scale V (SSS-V) and the Adolescent Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), as well as a modified substance use screening assessment. Data were analyzed in SPSS using Pearson’s correlation, logistic regression, and discriminant analysis.
RESULTS: A significant positive correlation (r = .373) was found between SSS-V scores and AASP sensory seeking sub-scale scores. The SSS-V was negatively correlated with age (r = -.282) indicating that as individuals age, they exhibit fewer sensation seeking behaviors, as measured using psychological assessments. AASP scores were not significantly correlated with age, indicating that sensory seeking, as measured by occupational therapists, might remain stable over time without intervention. Both age and total SSS-V scores served as a predictor for prior use of tobacco and cannabis, as well as frequency of alcohol use. AASP scores served as a predictor exclusively for prior use of cannabis.
CONCLUSION: While some overlap exists between sensation seeking constructs measured in psychology and occupational therapy, notable differences are present. This study provides a foundation for improved communication between disciplines regarding the discussion of sensation seeking behaviors. Further research is warranted to determine the clinical implications for individuals with sensation seeking tendencies.
References
Zuckerman, M. (2014). Sensation seeking (Psychology revivals): Beyond the optimal level of arousal. Psychology Press.
Brown, C., Tollefson, N., Dunn, W., Cromwell, R., & Filion, D. (2001). The Adult Sensory Profile: Measuring patterns of sensory processing. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55(1), 75–82. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.55.1.75
Miller, L. J., Anzalone, M. E., Lane, S. J., Cermak, S. A., & Osten, E. T. (2007). Concept evolution in sensory integration: A proposed nosology for diagnosis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 61(2), 135-140. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.61.2.135
