Sensation seeking, drug use, and high contact sports
- Journal of Psychology & Clinical Psychiatry
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Elizabeth Richardson, Tony Cassidy
Abstract
Research question: Studies report
associations between sensation seeking and risky behaviour, including drug use,
suggesting sensation seeking may involve a vulnerability to health compromising
behaviour. Findings on sports as a protective factor against drug use are mixed.
The present study was designed to examine whether young adults who participate in
high contact sports have an increased likelihood to use drugs, and if the
likelihood of drug use is mediated by sensation seeking.
Research methods: This
quantitative, correlational study included analysis of 463 individuals’ (218 in high contact sports and 245 in non-contact sports) responses to online surveys.
Results and findings: Results show that high contact sport is associated
with recreational drug use, particularly for males. Sensation seeking is only
related to drug use for those engaging in high contact sport.
Implications: Sensation
seeking may not be useful in predicting drug use directly but can be useful in
predicting drug use in high contact sport.
Keywords
high contact sports, recreational drug use, sensation seeking