The Japanese Journal of Criminal Psychology

This study investigated the relationship between Sensation Seeking and delinquency.

Items of Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale Form V and Nye & Short Self-Report Delinquency Scale were translated into Japanese. These scales were administered to 100 male undergraduates.

Scores on the Delinquency Scale correlated significantly with those on the Sensation Seeking Scale, especially the Experience Seeking, the Disinhibition and the Boredom Susceptibility subscales.

Using a multiple regression analysis a positive relationship between the Disinhibition and delinquent experiences emerged. The Experience Seeking was an important factor of delinquent acts of the kind prohibited to minors, such as driving without licences or premarital sexual activities. Moreover, the Boredom Susceptibility had some influence on committing delinquent acts of the kind escaping from social control, such as skipping school, defying parents’authority or drinking.

Sensation Seeking needs were considered the principal motives for initial delinquent behaviors.

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