title: Factor analysis and validity of a short six-item version of the Desires for Alcohol Questionnaire.
abstract: Reductions in cravings have been associated with improved recovery from alcohol and other drug use problems. Self-report assessments of cravings provide a way of monitoring progress over the course of treatment particularly in residential settings. There is a need to develop brief craving measures suitable for repeat administration. The aim of the study was to assess the reliability and validity of a six-item version of the Desires for Alcohol Questionnaire (DAQ-6). In study 1 exploratory factor analysis involving 710 participants attending residential treatment revealed two factors: 'expectancy of negative reinforcement' and 'strong desires and intentions'. In study 2 confirmatory factor analysis replicated this factor structure in an independent sample of 116 participants. Both studies provided evidence for convergent and discriminant validity of the DAQ-6 when compared to other measures. The DAQ-6 shows promise as a brief self-report measure of cravings but the utility of the separate subscales in treatment contexts requires further research.
authors: University of Wollongong, Australia.
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Mo
authors: Frank P
authors: FP
authors: Deane
authors: Geoffrey C B
authors: GC
authors: Lyons
authors: Peter J
authors: PJ
authors: Kelly
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011594:Psychometrics; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors