Originally published in 1979, this title represents a summary of 17 years of research centring around the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) and the theory from which the test was derived. Now an integral part of personality testing, including adaptations for use with children, this reissue is a chance to see where it all began.

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Theoretical Background 3. Sensory Deprivation: A Testing Ground for Optimal Level Theory 4. Development of the Sensational Seeking Scales: A Historical Overview 5. Demographic Differences 6. The Relationships Between the SSS and Other Trait Measures 7. Risk-Taking Activities 8. Sensation, Perception and Cognition 9. Vocations, Vocational Interests, Values and Attitudes 10. Experience: Sex, Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Eating 11. Psychopathology 12. Biological Correlates of Sensation Seeking 13. A New Theory of Sensation Seeking. Appendixes. References. Author Index. Subject Index.