Evaluation of the brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU-BRIEF) in laboratory and clinical settings

Lisa Sanderson Cox, Purdue University

Abstract

A brief, 10-item version of the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU; Tiffany & Drobes, 1991) was administered to 221 active cigarette smokers in a laboratory setting (Study 1) and to 112 smokers entering a comprehensive smoking cessation program (Study 2). In the laboratory setting, craving to smoke was evaluated in response to neutral- and smoking-related stimuli. In the clinical setting, craving was assessed prior to cessation and again during treatment. This brief measure demonstrated high internal consistency across conditions and settings with smokers at different stages of drug use. Factor analyses revealed a two-factor solution best described the item structure of the QSU-Brief across conditions. Factor 1 scale items reflected a strong desire and intention to smoke, with smoking perceived as rewarding for active smokers. Factor 2 scale items represented an urgent desire to smoke with smoking anticipated as negatively reinforcing. These findings are consistent with the expressions of craving found in the long QSU (Tiffany & Drobes, 1991). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated stronger baseline mood intensity and self-reported tendency to smoke to achieve pleasurable effects and to experience the desire to smoke were predictive of craving report in active smokers in the laboratory setting. These predictors also were associated significantly with craving in active smokers in the clinical setting. These findings support a multidimensional conceptualization of craving to smoke and underscore the utility of a multidimensional measure of craving. These studies clearly established the reliability of the QSU-Brief used in the laboratory and clinical settings with active and abstaining smokers.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Tiffany, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy|Psychological tests|Public health|Behaviorial sciences

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