Buzz!
Inside the Minds of Thrill-Seekers, Daredevils, and Adrenaline Junkies

Are you a thrill-seeker or a chill-seeker? A clinical psychologist lifts the lid on what makes adrenaline junkies tick.

Kenneth Carter (Author)

9781108738101, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 31 October 2019

242 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.37 kg

'With writing that is accessible and approachable, Buzz! is an enjoyable overview of distinctive psychological personality traits and characteristics and an in-depth look at the motivation for risk-taking, flow, and HSS personalities.' Curt Davidson, Journal of Experiential Education

Most of us crave new experiences and sensations. Whether it's our attraction to that new burger place or the latest gadget, newness tugs at us. But what about those who can't seem to get enough? They jump out of planes, climb skyscrapers, and will eat anything (even poisonous pufferfish) … Prompting others to ask 'what's wrong' with them. These are high sensation-seekers and they crave intense experiences, despite physical, or social risk. They don't have a death wish, but seemingly a need for an adrenaline rush, no matter what. Buzz! describes the world of the high sensation-seeking personality in a way that we can all understand. It explores the lifestyle, psychology, and neuroscience behind adrenaline junkies and daredevils. This tendency, or compulsion, has a role in our culture. But where is the line between healthy and unhealthy thrill-seeking? The minds of these adventurers are explained page by page.

1. What is sensation-seeking
2. Born to be wild
3. Faster, hotter, louder: the everyday life of a high sensation-seeker
4. Lights, camera, action: sports and adventure in high sensation-seeking
5. What about your friends: the relationships of high sensation-seekers
6. All in a day's work
7. The dark side of high sensation-seeking
8. Super power or super problem
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Popular psychology [VSP], Neurosciences [PSAN], Physiological & neuro-psychology, biopsychology [JMM], Humanistic psychology [JMAN], Behavioural theory [Behaviourism JMAL], Analytical & Jungian psychology [JMAJ], Psychology [JM]