thrillseeking

Thrillseeking refers to a tendency to pursue intense, novel, and sometimes uncertain experiences, often involving risk or high arousal. It is closely related to the broader concept of sensation seeking, a personality trait used in psychology to describe individual differences in desires for variety, novelty, and excitement.

In psychology, sensation seeking has been studied since the mid-20th century, with Marvin Zuckerman identifying a four-factor model: thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility. The trait is typically measured with standardized scales such as the Sensation Seeking Scale. Variations in thrillseeking behavior are influenced by a mix of genetic predispositions, developmental stage, cultural context, and situational factors, with neurobiological links to the brain’s reward and arousal systems.

People high in thrillseeking may engage in activities ranging from extreme sports and adventure travel to high-speed or high-risk situations, as well as creative or professional risk-taking. Some pursue intense experiences through controlled environments and safety measures, while others may engage in risky behaviors outside supervision. The trait is not inherently pathological, but it can be associated with higher risk of injury, substance use, or legal issues in some individuals, particularly in adolescence when risk-taking tends to be more pronounced.

Research and practice emphasize understanding context, individual differences, and harm-minimizing approaches, such as proper training, supervision, and the use of protective equipment. Related concepts include sensation seeking, risk-taking, and arousal theory.