Individual differences and choice of information source: Sensation seeking in drug abuse prevention

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between sensation seeking and the information source an individual may select to (1) find exciting alternatives to drugs and (2) resist peer pressure to use drugs. Both high and low sensation seekers chose friends as the most preferred source of information. However, high sensation seekers, compared to low sensation seekers, were less likely to: talk with friends, parents or co‐workers; visit a drug counseling center; call an 800 hotline: contact a club, social group, or church group for prevention information. Low sensation seekers who used drugs, compared to high sensation seekers who used drugs, indicated a much higher preference for talking with parents. Implications for prevention efforts are discussed.