Confirmatory factor analyses and reliability of the modified cigarette evaluation questionnaire

We examined the validity and reliability of the modified Cigarette Evaluation Questionnaire (mCEQ) that assesses the degree to which subjects experience the reinforcing effects of smoking. Data came from three phase II clinical trials (n = 626, n = 627, n = 312) on varenicline for smoking cessation. Comparative fit indexes and non-normed fit indexes from a confirmatory factor analysis exceeded 0.90. Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency reliability exceeded 0.70 for the Smoking Satisfaction domain and the Psychological Reward domain but was less than 0.70 for the Aversion domain; test–retest reliability generally exceeded 0.70 on the three multi-item domains and two single items. The validity and, in general, the reliability of the postulated multidimensional framework of the mCEQ are confirmed and supported by the analyses of three independent studies, with multi-item domains on Smoking Satisfaction (satisfying, taste good, enjoy smoking), Psychological Reward (calm down, more awake, less irritable, help concentrate, reduce hunger), and Aversion (dizziness, nauseous), as well as the single-item assessment on Enjoyment of Respiratory Tract Sensations and on Craving Reduction.