Food cravings discriminate differentially between successful and unsuccessful dieters and non-dieters. Validation of the Food Cravings Questionnaires in German

Food cravings have been strongly associated with triggering food consumption. However, definitions and measurements of food cravings are heterogeneous. Therefore, Cepeda-Benito et al., 2000 and Cepeda-Benito et al., 2000 have suggested the Food Cravings Questionnaires (FCQs) to measure food cravings as a multidimensional construct at trait- and state-level. In the current study, we validated a German version of the FCQs in an online study (N = 616). The factor structure of the state and trait versions could partially be replicated, but yielded fewer than the originally proposed factors. Internal consistencies of both versions were very good (Cronbach’s α > .90), whereas retest reliability of the state version was expectedly lower than that of the trait version. Construct validity of the trait version (FCQ-T) was demonstrated by high correlations with related eating behavior questionnaires and low correlations with questionnaires unrelated to eating. Most importantly, FCQ-T-subscales were able to discriminate between successful and unsuccessful dieters and non-dieters. Validity of the state version was supported by positive relations with food deprivation and current negative affect. Taken together, the German version of the FCQs has good psychometric properties. Moreover, this study provided first evidence that distinct dimensions of food cravings are differentially related to success and failure in dieting.

► The state and trait Food Cravings Questionnaires (FCQs) were translated into German.
► The German FCQ has comparable reliability to the original version.
► Factor structure could partially be replicated, but yielded fewer factors.
► FCQ-subscales discriminated between dieters and non-dieters.
► Only trait cravings discriminated between successful and unsuccessful dieters.