Development and validation of the smoking cue appeal survey

In this two-study investigation, a measure of sensory smoking cue appeal was developed and evaluated relative to smoking behavior, smoking severity, and craving. In the first study, 101 participants completed the Smoking Cue Appeal Survey (SCAS) and self-reported smoking status (current, former, or non-smoker). In the second study, 54 participants completed the SCAS and craving was measured following a cue exposure procedure. Data were collected between 2008 and 2009. The SCAS demonstrated good psychometric properties and was associated with smoking status. Additionally, craving was significantly associated with the SCAS, but there was no association with frequency of smoking or severity of nicotine dependence. Limitations include a cross-sectional design, small sample size, and focus on trait factors. Future directions are discussed.