Evaluation of the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Now factor structures: application of a cue reactivity paradigm.
The current study compared the psychometric properties and clinical/research utility of four distinct factor/subscale models of alcohol craving (three factor-derived models, and one rationally derived model) as measured by the Alcohol Craving Questionnaire-Now in social (n=52) and alcohol dependent (n=71) drinkers. All participants completed a self-report measure of alcohol abuse in addition to engaging in a structured interview and cue reactivity protocol. Participants provided self-reported craving, as well as desire to approach or avoid drinking, during a cue exposure task using separate analog scales. Factor/subscale models were compared in terms of internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and ability to predict cue-elicited approach and craving in addition to diagnostic status. All models demonstrated high levels of internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and the ability to predict both cue-elicited craving and alcohol dependence status. Specific strengths and weaknesses of each model are examined and the theoretical, clinical, and research utility of the current findings are discussed.
Connolly
Kevin M
KM
The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.kconnol@gmail.com
Coffey
Scott F
SF
Baschnagel
Joseph S
JS
Drobes
David J
DJ
Saladin
Michael E
ME
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D003463:Cues; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D018579:Patient Selection; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires