Return to Sensory Processing Concepts
Sensation Seeking refers to a pattern of sensory processing that is characterized by high sensory thresholds and an active self regulation strategy (Dunn, 1997); when people have sensation seeking patterns of sensory processing, they enjoy and generate extra sensory input for themselves. The Sensory Profile measures cover the life span, and use informant report to evaluate a person’s ability to register sensory input. Children who have Sensation Seeking patterns are very active, continuously engaging and excitable. We hypothesize that they are engaging in active strategies to increase input as a means to meet high thresholds. Dunn and colleagues have conducted national studies of infants, children and adults with and without disabilities, and have found that persons without disabilities of all ages seek and derive pleasure from sensory experiences. Sensation seeking becomes a problem when seeking behaviors keep the person from continuing in a desired activity. When a person has difficulty with sensation seeking, interventions are directed at providing more opportunities for the desired sensory input within daily life activities.
References(s):
Dunn, W. (1997). The impact of sensory processing abilities on the daily lives
of young children and their families: a conceptual model. Infants and Young
Children, 9(4), 23-35.
Suggested Reading(s):
Dunn, W. (2001). The sensations of everyday life: theoretical, conceptual and
pragmatic considerations. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 608-620.
Return to Sensory Processing Concepts