A comparison of sensation-seeking between dental and biological science students
Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare sensation-seeking behaviour amongst dental students and age-, sex-matched students studying for a standard 3-year degree in biological sciences at the Manchester University.
Methods:
A total of 268 sensation-seeking questionnaires were distributed to second- and third-year male and female dental and biological science students, studying for a degree at the University of Manchester. Each questionnaire was scored against Zuckerman's sensation-seeking scale.
Results:
A total of 268 questionnaires were distributed, 175 were returned. The return rate was 65%. The primary findings were: Biological Science students were more sensation-seeking in the dimensions of disinhibition and experience-seeking than dental students (P < 0.05). There was a significant gender bias in sensation-seeking. Males were significantly more sensation-seeking than females in both courses (P < 0.05). Males in both courses had similar sensation-seeking tendencies (NS). Females in the biological sciences course were less inhibited than their dental counterparts (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
There was a clear difference in sensation-seeking within and between groups of dental students and students studying biological sciences.
