The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

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The Psychology of Thrill Seekers

Instructor: Kenneth Carter

11,268 already enrolled

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

102 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

102 reviews

Beginner level

No prior experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

5 assignments¹

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Taught in English

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There are 5 modules in this course

Sensation seeking is a trait we all have and includes the search for complex and new experiences. Thrill Seekers, people with high-sensation seeking personalities, crave exotic and intense experiences even when physical or social risks are involved. This course helps learners examine the remarkable world of the high-sensation seeking personality and explores the lifestyle, psychology, and neuroscience behind thrill seekers.

In this week, we'll examine the curious beginnings of sensation-seeking research, discuss the four components that make up sensation seeking, and discuss the profile of a high sensation seeker.

What's included

6 videos4 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 28 minutes

Welcome!6 minutes
The History of Sensation Seeking6 minutes
Components of Sensation Seeking5 minutes
Sensation-Seeking Demographics3 minutes
Types of Sensation Seekers6 minutes
Wrap-Up2 minutes

4 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Course Outline and Grading Information5 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Kenneth Carter Publication Offer5 minutes
Discover Your Sensation-Seeking Score!10 minutes
Insights into the Sensation-Seeking Personality60 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Time!15 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 40 minutes

High Sensation-Seeking Influences40 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts10 minutes

This week, we'll take a scientific approach to uncovering more about sensation seeking and focus on the fascinating biological processes and environment at play.

What's included

6 videos2 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 22 minutes

Born to Be Wild?2 minutes
Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response4 minutes
Neuromotivational Systems5 minutes
The Chemistry of Thrill and Fear4 minutes
Environment and Thrill Seekers3 minutes
Wrap-Up3 minutes

2 readingsTotal 90 minutes

Hardwired for Sensation Seeking40 minutes
Stress, Fear, and Motivation50 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Time!15 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 40 minutes

Biological and Environmental Influences40 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts10 minutes

In this week, we'll look at the hobbies and travel and food preferences of high sensation seekers and discuss why they are so unique compared to the average person. We'll begin our exploration with a focus on emotional regulation and what that means for a high sensation seeker.

What's included

7 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 44 minutes

Week 3 Introduction2 minutes
Hobbies5 minutes
[Optional] Interview with a High Sensation Seeker17 minutes
Travel6 minutes
Food6 minutes
Emotional Regulation6 minutes
Wrap-Up3 minutes

1 readingTotal 70 minutes

A Look at Hobby Preferences70 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Time!15 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 40 minutes

Analyzing Hobbies and Preferences40 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts10 minutes

In this week, we get more personal and look at the challenges and rewards high sensation seekers face in regards to relationships and love.

What's included

7 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

7 videosTotal 42 minutes

Week 4 Introduction1 minute
Love5 minutes
Emotional Intelligence3 minutes
Problems with Relationships3 minutes
Enhancing Relationships3 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Podcast with a Sensation-Seeking Couple25 minutes
Wrap-Up1 minute

3 readingsTotal 80 minutes

Types of Love15 minutes
A Further Look at Emotional Intelligence50 minutes
Battling Intimacy Challenges15 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Time!15 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 40 minutes

Sensation Seekers and Relationships40 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts10 minutes

In this week, we consider how to perceive high sensation seeking and look at the overall benefits and issues as well as how to keep high sensation seeking in check.

What's included

8 videos3 readings1 assignment1 peer review1 discussion prompt

8 videosTotal 56 minutes

Week 5 Introduction3 minutes
Super Problem8 minutes
Superpower6 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Interview with a Firefighter14 minutes
[OPTIONAL] Interview with a Fire Chief12 minutes
Keeping Sensation Seeking in Check3 minutes
Wrap-Up5 minutes
Fun-tage4 minutes

3 readingsTotal 100 minutes

Addiction and Risk As Super Problems30 minutes
Meditation, Empathy, and Creativity60 minutes
The Feeling of Awe10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 15 minutes

Practice Time!15 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 40 minutes

Overcoming Super Problems40 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Initial Thoughts10 minutes

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(22 ratings)

Kenneth Carter

Emory University

1 Course11,268 learners

Offered by

Emory University

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Reviewed on Sep 18, 2023

great course, was really fun and would do recomment it to everyone

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2020

The course gave insights into high sensation seeking behavior. Also this will help us to adjust effectively with people around us who are high sensation seekers.

Reviewed on Dec 26, 2021

Very interesting coarse.. I find this coarse very informative too. Thank-you

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