The development and psychometric evaluation of the Smokeless Tobacco Expectancies Scale (STES)

Expectancies regarding the effects of various psychoactive substances are important predictors of the initiation and maintenance of substance use. Although measures of outcome expectancies exist for several addictive substances, there is currently no measure to assess smokeless tobacco (ST) expectancies in an adult population. This article presents 2 studies leading to the development and psychometric evaluation of the Smokeless Tobacco Expectancies Scale (STES). Initially, 155 individuals listed all outcomes they expected to occur if they were to use ST products. From these responses, an initial pool of potential STES items was identified. The STES was then administered to 2 samples totaling 813 individuals (265 ST users, 270 cigarette smokers, and 278 nontobacco users). The first study included 315 participants who completed a 68-item measure. An exploratory factor analysis identified 10 items that may account for individuals' ST expectancies. Items loaded on 2 factors: Negative Health Consequences and Positive Reinforcement. A confirmatory factor analysis on an independent sample (n = 498) supported the proposed factor structure. Furthermore, in both samples, the STES accurately discriminated ST users from smokers and nonusers. Findings are discussed in terms of the potential uses of the STES for advancing the understanding of ST use.