Smoking expectancies: psychometric properties of the Greek SCQ and its relation to coping strategies

Abstract

This study examined the factor structure of the Greek version of a short form of Smoking Consequences Questionnaire (SCQ-19 items) and the relationship between smoking outcome expectancies and coping with negative affect. 217 smokers from a community sample in Cyprus (126 women; age range: 17-41 years old) completed a set of questionnaires including the SCQ, Brief COPE, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire and Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence. Results of factor analysis provided support for the four-factor structure (Negative Reinforcement, Negative Consequences, Positive Reinforcement, and Appetite Control) of SCQ, indicating good internal reliability within each factor. Significant positive correlations were found between the factors: Negative Reinforcement, Appetite Control and Positive Reinforcement. Multiple regression analyses indicated that expectancies of negative consequences from smoking were the only significant predictor of nicotine dependence level, while anxiety sensitivity and avoidant coping significantly predicted expectancies of negative reinforcement from smoking. These results provide additional evidence to further research on the function of smoking as a negative reinforcer, specifically as a way to cope with negative affective states (e.g. stress and anxiety).