Factorial structure of the Sensation-Seeking Scale-Form V: confirmatory factorial analyses in nonclinical and clinical samples.

OBJECTIVE The factor structure of the Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS)-Form V was studied in 2 large French samples, using confirmatory factorial analyses (CFA) to test the 4-dimensional model of sensation seeking postulated by Zuckerman. METHOD The study included 769 healthy subjects and 659 patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for substance use disorders or eating disorders and completed the SSS. The correlation matrices for each of the samples were analyzed using CFA. RESULTS In each sample, we found the 4-factor model to be replicable. CONCLUSION The multidimensionality of sensation seeking is supported by the results, and the 4-dimensional model of sensation seeking identified by Zuckerman can be explored in French-speaking people.