Interesting stuff indeed. I'd be interested in his findings as I've done a fair old bit of reading about the structure of personalities.
I think it's very much related to a feeling of escape, (which is subjective according to the type of personality) from percieved loss of control and depersonalisation from interpersonal and extrapersonal influences.
Such as
Inability to control ones emotions (borderline personality leaning)
People at work pissing you off and controlling you (Shitty everyday life-which depends on your idealised view of life, product of culture/upbringing)
Chronic semi-depression and boredom (also the above).
Certain people who are more mentally active than most can get disillusioned with everyday boring life. They feel depersonalised and have to regain a sense of self by doing something that content, boring people see as extreme. People who are particularly mentally active may lose a degree of control over their emotions (BPD or ADHD) and this may become the key factor.
So, a recap.
People with a combination of mental vigour and a slightly idealised view of the world feel depersonalised by reality. They seek escape from this state of mind from doing something which gives them a short lived sense of control and satisfaction, this reinforces their own construct of reality.
Normal people take a holiday, daydream or drink.
I'd be interested in what he had to say about my take on it.
I did a lot of reading after asking myself a question about my work colleagues.
"Why are they satisfied with such a boring life?"
Stu
Edit:- sorry for the repetetive mumble, it came out that way!