Sensation seeking and physical activity

Objectives: The personality trait of sensation seeking (SeSe) is associated with high-risk sports. However, the relationship between SeSe and energy expenditure (EE) has not been examined in detail using objective measures.

Methods: Twenty-two female and 21 male healthy participants were assessed for SeSe on the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS), examining total score and intensity and novelty subscale scores. Total energy expenditure (TEE) per day was calculated using a SenseWear^® armband.

Results: Significant positive correlations were found between AISS total and TEE (r = 0.35, p < 0.01) and between AISS intensity and TEE (r = 0.43, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Self-reported sensation seeking was associated with high total energy expenditure. The pattern of preferred activity in high sensation seekers favors intensity rather than novelty.