Thrill seekers: Why do we love rollercoasters?

Rollercoaster rides are closely linked with the physical sensation we get from the world. The rides are successful because they can force an emotional experience.

On a ride, people's emotions change continually from extreme excitement, delight, joy, happiness to terror, horror, and even boredom. The thrill we get from the ride isn't an emotion itself. The thrill is in the change in emotions.

There are four different aspects to sensation-seeking:

• Thrill-and adventure-seeking, which has to do with a high adrenaline experience.
• Experience-seeking. People who like unusual experiences.
• Disinhibition. People who might like to scream on a rollercoaster and give in to their emotions.
• Resistance to boredom.

Generally, people that go out to amusement parks want to be challenged and taken to the edge of danger, but ultimately still want to be safe.