Using the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) to predict holiday preferences

Abstract The aim of this research was to examine the utility of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) in predicting holiday preferences. The BSSS was administered to a convenience sample of 300 participants and of these 111 were returned. Holiday preferences were determined using a four factor scale designed to assess preferences for holidays whose central theme could be described as either, Adventurous, Beach, Cultural, or Indulgent. The results of this survey confirmed the psychometric properties of the BSSS and showed that it had utility in predicting holiday preferences. Significant correlations with the BSSS were obtained for Adventurous holiday preferences, Beach preferences, and Indulgent preferences. Within the four subscales of the BSSS, Experience Seeking was significantly correlated with Adventurous and Indulgent holiday preferences. Boredom Susceptibility was significantly correlated with Beach holiday preferences, as was Thrill and Adventure Seeking. Finally Disinhibition was found to be significantly correlated with Beach and Cultural holiday preferences. It was concluded that the sensation seeking personality, as measured using the BSSS scale, was predictive of holiday preferences.

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