Responses of male DUI offenders on the sensation seeking scale.

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the utility of the Zuckerman Sensation Seeking Scale with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) offenders by examining the characteristics of those scoring high vs. low on Form V of the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS-V). Individuals with high scores were hypothesized to be chemically dependent (CD) as identified by the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory Revised (SASSI-2), while those obtaining low scores were hypothesized to be non-chemically dependent (NCD) on the SASSI-2. Results indicate little support for the SSS-V with the DUI sample. However, the CD group was shown to incur more DUls on average than the NCD group. Likewise, the CD group was shown to have a greater tendency toward a history of other drug use than the NCD group.