Question

Look at the descriptions of high sensation seekers in your book. They look like they would be fun to have at a party. However, what are the down-sides to high sensation seeking? In other words, in what areas of life might these people encounter problems because of their high sensation-seeking and how serious could these problems be? On the other hand, when and where is high sensation-seeking a benefit to the person and/or to society? (You can also discuss low sensation seeking--when is it beneficial and when is it detremental?)

Answer 1

• Sensation seekers are always looking for something to make them feel excited and stimulated. They are the people who always try new things, who love to travel spontaneously, and who get bored with any routine.Many individuals with ADHD can be sensation seekers, but this isn’t unique to people with this disorder. It is a temperament, and like all temperaments, it is heritable.That means that most people who are sensation seekers can locate the origin of their temperament in one or both of their parents.
• Downsides:-
• When two sensation seekers are in a relationship, it can be very intense and volatile. They can feel the highest highs and the lowest lows. These relationships are highly combustible, because neither person provides a stable ballast for the other.
• Relationships between a sensation seeker and a more stable person can be less volatile, but the stable partner often gets frustrated – even scared – by the sensation seeker’s tendency towards impulsiveness. They often castigate their partner, saying that they thrive on “drama” and are selfish and short-sighted.To retaliate, the sensation seeker may accuse their partner of being rigid, dry, or boring.
• They can get easily bored, but like the hustle and bustle of activity.It’s what makes them seek adventure, excitement. Sometimes taking extreme risks like adrenaline sports, drug taking, unprotected sex and more.
• Compared with low sensation-seekers, high sensation-seekers are more likely to smoke, abuse alcohol and use drugs, and are more attracted to high-stress careers.
• Advantages:-
• High sensation-seeking is a normal personality trait, despite its association with risky behavior. For example, the trait plays a role in bringing people into prosocial occupations such as law enforcement, firefighting and emergency room medicine-high-stress jobs that would shut down low sensation-seekers.
• Such people can often feel a sense of calm when skydiving and are likely to feel relaxed in other high-pressure situations.
• Sensation seekers are often trying to achieve a “flow state,” described as “being fully immersed, holding an energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment of the moment.” In this state, a person is hyper-focused and connected to what they are doing. Their emotions are channeled, and the person feels joy in the moment.
• It turns out that being in that flow state is pretty good for us. Adults who spend more time in flow are happier overall, and they tend to be more cheerful, satisfied, creative, and have higher self-esteem. Flow gives you enjoyment and makes it easier to deal with stress.
• But you don’t have to leap from tall buildings to engage in flow. There are plenty of average and even low sensation-seeking experiences that will help you to be enveloped in a state of flow, including playing or listening to music, engaging in physical activities, or gardening.