Motivations and sensation seeking behind recreational storm chasers in the United States

Abstract

Several studies have examined risk recreation activities, such as mountain climbing, scuba diving, surfing and whitewater rafting. However, little is known about recreational storm chasing, a type of risk recreation activity which has increased in popularity since the 1990s. Therefore, a study was conducted to understand the characteristics of the activity and the recreational storm-chasers. Particularly, this study assessed the motivations and sensation seeking attributes of recreational storm chasers, as well as the relationship between both constructs. Results showed that recreational storm chasers were mostly motivated by Enjoying Nature and Learning, while least motivated by Sense of Achievement and Taking Risks. Regarding sensation seeking, results showed that respondents scored highest on Experience Seeking, and lowest on Boredom Susceptibility. Both Learning and Similar People motivational dimensions were significantly correlated with the Experience Seeking dimension. Results also showed significant correlations between the Taking Risks motivational dimension and the Thrill and Adventure Seeking dimension. Study results suggest that additional research is needed to further analyze the relationship between the motivation and sensation seeking constructs.