Sensation Seeking Theory

Sensation seeking (SS) is described as an individual’s willingness to partake in novel, complex, and intense situations despite the risks associated with such experiences (Preedy, Watson, & Martin, 2011). Like food neophobia, SS is a personality trait, and the two are also in close relations with impulsivity. Impulsive individuals are more likely to take quick actions that are void of thought or planning (Horvath & Zuckerman, 1992). In relation to food, impulsives would therefore consume the novel food before having time to consider the potential negative effects. Two factors play a role in triggering SS behavior: high levels of optimism in regards to being affected by negative outcomes of risky activity and more valued rewards. Horvath and Zuckerman (1992) hypothesized that high sensation seekers valued the rewards of risky activities more than low sensation seekers, which is why they are more likely to partake in such experiences. It would be assumed then that high sensation seekers value the potential nutritiousness of a novel food more than they fear the risk of ingesting toxins. …show more content…
This scale measures individual’s optimal level of arousal and allows it to be compared to another (Pliner & Melo, 1997). The Optimum Stimulation Level (OSL) is the specific level at which an individual feels most comfortable. Should an individual fall below or above this threshold, he or she will seek or avoid new stimulation in the environment, respectively (Fernandez-Artamendi, Martinez-Loredo, Fernandez-Hermida, & Carballo-Crespo, 2015). Low-arousal is defined as being in a familiar environment, in a non-hungry state, and void of exciting or emotional stimuli (Pliner & Melo, 1997), with high-arousal changing one of these factors to increase levels of stimulation in the