A comparison of sensation-seeking between dental and biological science students.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare sensation-seeking behaviour amongst dental students and age-, sex-matched students studying for a standard 3-year degree in biological sciences at the Manchester University.


METHODS
A total of 268 sensation-seeking questionnaires were distributed to second- and third-year male and female dental and biological science students, studying for a degree at the University of Manchester. Each questionnaire was scored against Zuckerman's sensation-seeking scale.


RESULTS
A total of 268 questionnaires were distributed, 175 were returned. The return rate was 65%. The primary findings were: Biological Science students were more sensation-seeking in the dimensions of disinhibition and experience-seeking than dental students (P < 0.05). There was a significant gender bias in sensation-seeking. Males were significantly more sensation-seeking than females in both courses (P < 0.05). Males in both courses had similar sensation-seeking tendencies (NS). Females in the biological sciences course were less inhibited than their dental counterparts (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
There was a clear difference in sensation-seeking within and between groups of dental students and students studying biological sciences.
Mian
O
O
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Kay
E J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D001690:Biological Science Disciplines / Q000193:education*; D001887:Boredom; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires