Factorial and convergent validity of nicotine dependence measures in adolescents: toward a multidimensional approach.
The present study investigated the possibility of forming a multidimensional scale for the measurement of nicotine dependence among adolescents, based on the modified Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ) and the Hooked on Nicotine Checklist (HONC). A survey was conducted among 33 Dutch secondary schools, resulting in 2,041 smokers who completed the questionnaire. Motivation to quit and number of quit attempts were assessed and used as convergent construct variables for the construct of nicotine dependence. The findings show that combining the items of the mFTQ and the HONC results in three distinct dimensions: behavioral aspects of nicotine dependence, craving, and nervousness during abstinence. We examined this new multidimensional model in a second sample using confirmatory factor analysis. The new multidimensional measure fitted the data satisfactorily and showed good psychometric properties. Results of this study support the notion that nicotine dependence among adolescents is multidimensional.
Kleinjan
Marloes
M
Addiction Research Institute, and Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. kleinjan@ivo.nl
van den Eijnden
Regina J J M
RJ
van Leeuwe
Jan
J
Otten
Roy
R
Brug
Johannes
J
Engels
Rutger C M E
RC
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology