Sensation-seeking, also called thrill-seeking or excitement-seeking, is the tendency to pursue new and different sensations, feelings, and experiences. The trait describes people who chase novel, complex, and intense sensations, who love experience for its own sake, and who may take risks to pursue those experiences.
What Is Sensation-Seeking? (Plain Language Explanation)
Sensation-Seeking refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Sensation-Seeking
- Symptoms: The specific ways sensation-seeking shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen sensation-seeking
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When sensation-seeking occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Sensation-Seeking
- Sensation-Seeking is far more common than most people realize
- Sensation-Seeking is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with sensation-seeking see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about sensation-seeking is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing sensation-seeking, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.