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Updated: May 8, 2026
08:39
Operant Sensation Seeking in the Mouse
Published on: November 10, 2010
Sex differences in sensation-seeking: a meta-analysis.
Catharine P Cross1, De-Laine M Cyrenne, Gillian R Brown
1University of St Andrews, Fife, UK.
Scientific Reports
|August 31, 2013
Summary
Men consistently score higher in sensation-seeking than women, but this difference is declining in thrill-seeking behaviors. These findings suggest a mix of genetic predispositions and social influences on sensation-seeking tendencies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Men generally exhibit higher sensation-seeking scores than women.
- Explanations for this difference include evolutionary psychology and social norms.
- Sensation-seeking involves a willingness to engage in novel or intense activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in sex differences in sensation-seeking over time.
- To investigate the stability of specific sensation-seeking facets.
- To examine the influence of social norms and scale questions on reported differences.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a meta-analysis of studies utilizing Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale, version V (SSS-V).
- Analyzed trends in total SSS-V scores and sub-scale scores across different years.
- Compared sex differences in sensation-seeking over time.
Main Results:
- Overall sex differences in total SSS-V scores remained stable.
- Sex differences in Disinhibition and Boredom Susceptibility were also stable.
- A decline was observed in the sex difference for Thrill and Adventure Seeking.
Conclusions:
- Men and women report different levels of sensation-seeking propensity.
- Behavioral expressions of sensation-seeking evolve over time.
- Sex differences may result from genetic predispositions interacting with social information.
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