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Development and initial validation of the White Bear Suppression Inventory (Smoking Version)
Elizabeth Nosen1, Sheila R Woody
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA. enosen@umc.edu
Summary
A new scale, the White Bear Suppression Inventory-Smoking Version (WBSI-S), was developed to measure the suppression of smoking-related thoughts. This tool is crucial for understanding nicotine dependence and aiding smoking cessation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Addiction Science
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Thought suppression can paradoxically increase unwanted cognitions.
- Nicotine dependence research is increasingly interested in thought suppression.
- No validated measure existed for smoking-related thought suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the White Bear Suppression Inventory-Smoking Version (WBSI-S).
- To assess the suppression of smoking-related thoughts in individuals with nicotine dependence.
Main Methods:
- The WBSI-S was developed and administered to 172 participants undergoing smoking cessation.
- Measures were collected either during or preceding a quit attempt.
- Factor analysis and internal consistency analyses were performed.
Main Results:
- The WBSI-S demonstrated a two-factor structure (Intrusive Thoughts, Thought Suppression).
- Both subscales showed strong internal consistency.
- The Suppression subscale exhibited good convergent and discriminant validity.
Conclusions:
- The WBSI-S suppression subscale is construct-valid.
- Assessing thought suppression independently from intrusion is important for nicotine dependence research.
- The findings support the utility of the WBSI-S in smoking cessation studies.
