This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by West, O. Articles by Roderique-Davies, G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by West, O. Articles by Roderique-Davies, G. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Development and initial validation of a caffeine craving questionnaire

Department of Psychology, HaSS, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK

Gareth Roderique-Davies

Department of Psychology, HaSS, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK, gdavie10{at}glam.ac.uk

Craving for caffeine has received little empirical attention, despite considerable research into the potential for caffeine dependence. The main aim of this study was to develop, and initially validate, a multi-item, multidimensional instrument to measure cravings for caffeine. Participants were 189 caffeine consumers who completed the Questionnaire of Caffeine Cravings, which was based on the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU), in one of five naturally occurring periods of abstinence; 1—15 min; 16—120 mins; 3—7 h; 12—48 h and +48 h. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a three-factor solution best described the data; Factor 1 reflected strong desires, intentions and positive reinforcement; Factor 2 reflected mild/general positive and negative reinforcement and Factor 3 reflected functional/mood—based negative reinforcement. Significantly higher Factor 1 and Factor 2 scores were recorded for high frequency users; significantly higher Factor 1 and Factor 3 scores were recorded as a function of increased levels of dependence. Duration of abstinence did not significantly effect cravings across all three factors. Regression analyses suggested level of dependence best predicted both current cravings and frequency of daily use. These findings suggest caffeine cravings may be conceptualized multidimensionally and further validates the use of multidimensional, multi-item instruments. Cravings for caffeine may manifest and be detected across varying levels of dependence and, frequency of use and independently of duration of abstinence.

Key Words: abstinence • craving • caffeine • measurement • multidimensional • psychometric • reinforcement • withdrawal

Journal of Psychopharmacology, Vol. 22, No. 1, 80-91 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0269881107082746


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?