One of my favorite explanations for risk taking behavior comes from
opponent process theory. Supposedly over time the negative responses to
these risks (e.g., fear, anxiety) weaken while the positive responses
(e.g., relief at surviving) grow stronger.
Stephen Truhon
Dept. of Social Sciences
I'm trying to locate research that can help me understand why people
engage voluntarily in risky activities. There is plenty of research on
how people estimate risks (environmental and behavioral), personality
characteristics (e.g., sensation seeking) and even risky behavior (not
using a seat
Marie:
Try looking into the old literature on sensation-seeking by Zuckerman.
Zuckerman, M. (1971) Dimnesions of sensation seeking. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical psychology, 36, 45-52.
Zuckerman, M. (1979). Sensation seeking: Beyond the optimal level of
arousal. New HJersey: Lawrence
Hi Max
Thanks for your note. Yeah, I'm familiar with all the Zuckerman stuff. His
1994 book is terrific, but I need something more broadly explaining why
people voluntarily engage in risks.
Marie
Maxwell Gwynn wrote:
Marie:
Try looking into the old literature on sensation-seeking by
