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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
10:16
Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
Morningness-eveningness preference and sensation seeking.
1Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Italy. lorenzo.tonetti2@unibo.it
Summary
This study found that evening types, who prefer later sleep schedules, tend to seek more sensations than morning types. These findings highlight a link between sleep preference and sensation-seeking behaviors in university students.
Area of Science:
- Chronobiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Circadian preference, or an individual's natural inclination towards morningness or eveningness, influences various behaviors.
- Sensation seeking is a personality trait characterized by the pursuit of novel, varied, and intense experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between circadian preference and sensation seeking.
- To examine gender differences in sensation seeking and its association with circadian preference.
Main Methods:
- 1041 university students (18-30 years) completed the reduced Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQr) and the Sensation Seeking Scale-Form V (SSS-V).
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare scores between morning, intermediate, and evening types, as well as between males and females.
Main Results:
- Evening types scored higher in overall sensation seeking and most subscales compared to morning types.
- Males generally scored higher than females in sensation seeking, with the exception of the experience seeking subscale.
- Significant differences in sensation seeking were observed between evening and intermediate types, particularly concerning boredom susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- A significant relationship exists between circadian preference and sensation seeking.
- Circadian preference, particularly eveningness, is associated with higher levels of sensation seeking.
- Gender moderates sensation seeking, with males exhibiting higher scores overall, except in experience seeking.
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