Sensation seeking among medical students : a lived experience : a qualitative study

Abstract

This study addresses the range of sensation seeking behaviours and preferences among individuals following the same course of studies. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of medical students at the University of Malta, by using an interpretative approach. To gather data, interviews with five participants, one male and four females, were conducted. The participants that were chosen for the interviews are self-identified sensation seekers. Findings from the interviews resulted in the following themes: personality traits; adolescent phase; transition into adulthood and the medical course; social influences and activities related to sensation seeking. These themes were explored in the light of sensation seeking and particular behaviours, preferences and lifestyle choices and the changes that might occur because of life circumstances.