The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

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The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

Instructor: Kenneth Carter

11,107 already enrolled

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

102 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

102 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

98%

Most learners liked this course

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

5 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

Sensation seeking is a trait we all have and includes the search for complex and new experiences. Thrill Seekers, people with high-sensation seeking personalities, crave exotic and intense experiences even when physical or social risks are involved. This course helps learners examine the remarkable world of the high-sensation seeking personality and explores the lifestyle, psychology, and neuroscience behind thrill seekers.

In this week, we'll examine the curious beginnings of sensation-seeking research, discuss the four components that make up sensation seeking, and discuss the profile of a high sensation seeker.

What's included

6 videos4 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 28 minutes

Welcome! 6 minutes
The History of Sensation Seeking 6 minutes
Components of Sensation Seeking 5 minutes
Sensation-Seeking Demographics 3 minutes
Types of Sensation Seekers 6 minutes
Wrap-Up 2 minutes

4 readings Total 80 minutes

Course Outline and Grading Information 5 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Kenneth Carter Publication Offer 5 minutes
Discover Your Sensation-Seeking Score! 10 minutes
Insights into the Sensation-Seeking Personality 60 minutes

1 assignment Total 15 minutes

Practice Time! 15 minutes

1 peer review Total 40 minutes

High Sensation-Seeking Influences 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts 10 minutes

This week, we'll take a scientific approach to uncovering more about sensation seeking and focus on the fascinating biological processes and environment at play.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videos Total 22 minutes

Born to Be Wild? 2 minutes
Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response 4 minutes
Neuromotivational Systems 5 minutes
The Chemistry of Thrill and Fear 4 minutes
Environment and Thrill Seekers 3 minutes
Wrap-Up 3 minutes

2 readings Total 90 minutes

Hardwired for Sensation Seeking 40 minutes
Stress, Fear, and Motivation 50 minutes

1 assignment Total 15 minutes

Practice Time! 15 minutes

1 peer review Total 40 minutes

Biological and Environmental Influences 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts 10 minutes

In this week, we'll look at the hobbies and travel and food preferences of high sensation seekers and discuss why they are so unique compared to the average person. We'll begin our exploration with a focus on emotional regulation and what that means for a high sensation seeker.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

7 videos Total 44 minutes

Week 3 Introduction 2 minutes
Hobbies 5 minutes
[Optional] Interview with a High Sensation Seeker 17 minutes
Travel 6 minutes
Food 6 minutes
Emotional Regulation 6 minutes
Wrap-Up 3 minutes

1 reading Total 70 minutes

A Look at Hobby Preferences 70 minutes

1 assignment Total 15 minutes

Practice Time! 15 minutes

1 peer review Total 40 minutes

Analyzing Hobbies and Preferences 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts 10 minutes

In this week, we get more personal and look at the challenges and rewards high sensation seekers face in regards to relationships and love.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

7 videos Total 42 minutes

Week 4 Introduction 1 minute
Love 5 minutes
Emotional Intelligence 3 minutes
Problems with Relationships 3 minutes
Enhancing Relationships 3 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Podcast with a Sensation-Seeking Couple 25 minutes
Wrap-Up 1 minute

3 readings Total 80 minutes

Types of Love 15 minutes
A Further Look at Emotional Intelligence 50 minutes
Battling Intimacy Challenges 15 minutes

1 assignment Total 15 minutes

Practice Time! 15 minutes

1 peer review Total 40 minutes

Sensation Seekers and Relationships 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts 10 minutes

In this week, we consider how to perceive high sensation seeking and look at the overall benefits and issues as well as how to keep high sensation seeking in check.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

8 videos Total 56 minutes

Week 5 Introduction 3 minutes
Super Problem 8 minutes
Superpower 6 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Interview with a Firefighter 14 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Interview with a Fire Chief 12 minutes
Keeping Sensation Seeking in Check 3 minutes
Wrap-Up 5 minutes
Fun-tage 4 minutes

3 readings Total 100 minutes

Addiction and Risk As Super Problems 30 minutes
Meditation, Empathy, and Creativity 60 minutes
The Feeling of Awe 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 15 minutes

Practice Time! 15 minutes

1 peer review Total 40 minutes

Overcoming Super Problems 40 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts 10 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(22 ratings)

Kenneth Carter

Emory University

1 Course 11,107 learners

Offered by

Emory University

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Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

great course, was really fun and would do recomment it to everyone

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2020

The course gave insights into high sensation seeking behavior. Also this will help us to adjust effectively with people around us who are high sensation seekers.

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024

Very well explained videos. Assignments very very well structured

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