This study presents the principal component analysis of Zuckerman’s Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS form IV - 72 items). The results of the analysis of the French form support the existence of the four distinct dimensions of sensation seeking identified by Zuckerman, and replicated in a large number of studies. On the basis of this structure, an abbreviated form of the scale (40 items) has been constructed. It ressembles Zuckerman’s SSS form V. Attention is drawn to items that do not load significantly on the expected factor. The shorter form should be more useful in following-up research on sensation seeking in psychopathology.
