Scale Overview
The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V – SSS-V was developed by Marvin Zuckerman (1978). It is designed to measure Sensation Seeking. The scale is intended for use with Adults and adolescents.
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 40 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (Dis), Boredom Susceptibility (BS).
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TAS) |
3,11,16,17,20,21,23,28,38,40 |
10 |
| Experience Seeking (ES) |
4,6,9,10,14,18,19,22,25,26 |
10 |
| Disinhibition (Dis) |
1,12,13,29,30,32,33,34,35,36 |
10 |
| Boredom Susceptibility (BS) |
2,5,7,8,15,24,27,31,37,39 |
10 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: A = Option A, B = Option B.
The scale includes 21 reverse-scored items to reduce acquiescence bias.
Scoring
Items are scored by subscale, with each subscale sum representing a distinct dimension.
Total scores range from 0 to 40. Interpretation guidelines:
- Very Low Sensation Seeking: 0 – 10
- Low Sensation Seeking: 11 – 20
- Moderate Sensation Seeking: 21 – 30
- High Sensation Seeking: 31 – 40
Psychometric Properties
Internal Consistency: The scale has demonstrated good to excellent internal consistency with reported Cronbach’s alpha values of Cronbach's alpha ranges from 0.83 to 0.86 for the total scale.
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.