The Association Between Sensation Seeking and Externalizing Problems: Moderated Mediation by Fun Seeking, Self-Control and Age

The dual systems theory of risky behavior suggests that high levels of reward sensitivity and low levels of self-control are risk factors for externalizing problems. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between sensation seeking and externalizing problems remain unclear. This study used a questionnaire survey to examine the roles of fun seeking, self-control, and age in the relationship between sensation seeking and externalizing problems. The results were as follows: (1) sensation seeking positively predicted the level of externalizing problems; (2) fun seeking and self-control served as multiple mediators in the relationship between sensation seeking and externalizing problems; and (3) age moderated the chain mediating effect of fun seeking and self-control on the relationship between sensation seeking and externalizing problems. Specifically, the chain mediating effect of fun seeking and self-control on the relationship between sensation seeking and externalizing problems was observed only in adolescents. However, among children, fun seeking and self-control were found to be independent of each other, and the chain mediating effect was not observed. These results support the dual-systems model, and can provide valuable insights for the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies among children and adolescents.