Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8) Test - Free Online Assessment
Sensation seeking is the tendency to pursue novel, varied and intense experiences. This 8-item test, based on the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8), measures your level of sensation seeking across four dimensions.
About the Sensation Seeking Scale
The Sensation Seeking Scale (Zuckerman, 1971) measures the appetite for varied, novel and intense experiences. Its fourth version (SSS-V) maps four facets: thrill and adventure seeking, experience seeking, disinhibition, and boredom susceptibility. This page uses a shortened educational adaptation.
Sensation seeking is a biologically rooted trait: roughly speaking, it describes how strongly your nervous system 'turns up the volume' for stimulation. High scorers are not reckless by definition — the trait predicts how much novelty and intensity you need to feel and perform at your best.
How to read your result
You receive a total score plus the four facet scores. A high thrill-seeking score with low boredom susceptibility describes a very different life strategy than the reverse — compare your facets rather than reading the total alone.
The trait is neutral in itself: it fuels both extreme sports and scientific exploration — and, unmanaged, both risk-taking and boredom-driven decisions. Knowing your level helps you choose environments with the right dose of stimulation.
Show Details
About the Scale
The Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS-8) was developed by Hoyle, Stephenson, Palmgreen, Lorch and Donohew (2002) as a short measure of the sensation seeking trait described by Zuckerman. It covers four dimensions: experience seeking, boredom susceptibility, thrill and adventure seeking, and disinhibition.
Interpreting Results
Each statement is rated from 0 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Your total is the sum of all 8 items and ranges from 0 to 40. Subscale scores: Experience Seeking (items 1 and 5, 0–10), Boredom Susceptibility (items 2 and 7, 0–10), Thrill & Adventure Seeking (items 3 and 8, 0–10), and Disinhibition (items 4 and 6, 0–10).
Disclaimer
This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is sensation seeking?
A stable personality trait describing how much you seek varied, novel and intense experiences and sensations, introduced by Marvin Zuckerman in the 1960s–70s.
What are the four facets?
Thrill and adventure seeking (physical excitement), experience seeking (new ideas, art, travel), disinhibition (intensity in social and hedonistic contexts) and boredom susceptibility (aversion to routine and monotony).
Is this the original SSS-V?
This page offers a shortened educational adaptation of the SSS-V logic. The full 40-item forced-choice version is used in research settings.
How long does it take?
About three minutes for the adapted version.
Is a high score a bad sign?
No. Sensation seeking is a neutral trait found in high-performing athletes, entrepreneurs, artists and scientists. It becomes a risk only when stimulation is sought through dangerous or harmful channels.
Does sensation seeking mean recklessness?
Not necessarily. The trait describes the need for stimulation, not the choices made to satisfy it. Many high sensation seekers plan their adventures very carefully.
Does it change with age?
On average sensation seeking rises through adolescence, peaks in late adolescence and early adulthood, and gradually declines with age — though individual levels remain relatively stable relative to peers.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. It is a classic personality trait measure, not a clinical instrument, and high scores are not a disorder.
Learn More
Risk Propensity Scale
FeaturedAssess your risk tolerance and tendency to take risks in everyday situations.
Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire
Assess physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility.
MACH-IV Machiavellianism Scale
The MACH-IV measures manipulative tendencies, cynicism, and pragmatic morality. Part of the Dark Triad personality traits.
Short Dark Triad
Measure Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy with a brief scale.
Big Five Personality Test
FeaturedAssess the five major personality traits: Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism.
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)
Screen for symptoms related to adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder using ASRS.
