2024, Vol. 11, Issue 3, Part D

Background: Sensation Seeking is a distinctive trait that inclines a person to perform some activities that are directly associated with risk taking abilities. These risks may be physical, social, financial or even life threatening. Sensation seeking may directly be linked with the adrenaline flow in the body. Generally, people involved in adventurous activities like base jumping, paragliding, rock climbing and mountaineering etc. Feel that flow of adrenaline in their bodies and hence enjoy higher level of sensation. Understanding sensation seeking can help a coach and a sportsperson to choose his sports discipline accordingly. By and large, combative sports can provide higher level of sensation as compared to non-combative sports. The current study was undertaken in an attempt to compare the sensation seeking level of Boxers and Wrestlers, who had participated at All India Inter University level in their respective sports. It was hypothesized that there would not be any significant difference between the sensation seeking levels of boxers and wrestlers.

Methods: For the purpose of the study, 40 male subjects each from boxing and wrestling (N=80) between the ages of 18-35 years were randomly chosen. The Sensation Seeking Scale-V (SSS-V) developed by Marvin Zuckerman in 1971 (revised in 1996) was used to collect the necessary data for the study. The data was collected during the All India Inter University (A.I.I.U) boxing and wrestling Championships respectively.

Results: The study found significant differences between boxers and wrestlers on the variable Sensation Seeking and its sub-variables disinhibition and boredom susceptibility. However, the study could not find significant differences for the sub variables thrill & adventure seeking and experience seeking.

Conclusion: On the basis of the study, it is concluded that the sensation seeking level of wrestlers is higher than the boxers.