While studies have shown a consistent association between athlete status and risk-taking behavior (RTB), comparatively little is known about the mechanisms that potentially account for the influence of athletic participation on RTBs. The current study tests a theoretical model linking sensation seeking to RTBs through the perception of risk and reward utilizing a sample of collegiate athletes (N = 134) and non-athletes (N = 383). Specifically, the current study tested whether athletes report greater levels of intentions to engage in four RTBS (fighting, drunk driving, theft, and sexual assault) and greater levels of sensation seeking and whether these processes vary across gender. Furthermore, sensation seeking was proposed to indirectly lead to greater intentions to engage in RTBs through situational appraisals of reward and risk and this process is more salient among athletes. Results suggested that athletes actually reported lower levels of intent to engage in RTBs and sensation seeking, although males did report greater levels for both concepts. Sensation seeking did emerge as a robust predictor of involvement in RTBs and this process was in part explained by appraisals of risks and rewards based on situational characteristics for multiple behaviors. The implications of the findings for this dissertation are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]