Avoiding vulnerability is a common sensation-seeking response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and sensation-seeking opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Sensation-Seeking
- Concealing sensation-seeking from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when sensation-seeking is high is enormous
- Shame about sensation-seeking thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of sensation-seeking often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Sensation-Seeking
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in sensation-seeking) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and sensation-seeking. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Sensation-Seeking
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.