Resolving the relationship between pathological gambling and sensation seeking

Abstract

Research investigating the relationship between gambling and sensation seeking is very divided and has yet to identify whether pathological gamblers (PGs) are more or less sensation seeking than nonpathological gamblers (NPGs). Sensation seeking is usually gauged according to the Zuckerman, Eysenck, and Eysenck (1978) Sensation Seeking Scale form V (SSS-V). While previous studies relied on the SSS-V total score to draw conclusions regarding sensation seeking behavior, the current paper uses 2 studies to show the importance of the SSS-V subscales, which include Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TA), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (DS), and Boredom Susceptibility (BS), in judging levels of sensation seeking. Results from the current study as well as previous literature are used to support the notion that the SSS-V can be divided into concepts reflecting actual sensation seeking behavior, as based on the DS and BS subscales, and hypothetical behavior, as represented by the TA and ES subscales.