IO4-5 Development and initial validation of a new questionnaire assessing gambling craving triggers

Background: Research and clinical practice support the key role of craving in the development, maintenance and relapse of Gambling Disorder. The Elaborated Intrusion Theory of desire (Kavanagh et al., 2005) is a comprehensive and process-based cognitive model of craving validated for various appetitive behaviors, including gambling. The Craving Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) is a self-reported questionnaire based on this theory, assessing substance craving. This scale is composed of two versions measuring craving frequency (CEQ-F) and strength (CEQ-S), each composed of three subscales (intensity, imagery and intrusiveness). The present study aims to validate the g-CEQ, a gambling-related version of the CEQ. Methods: A sample of 282 gamblers from the community answered an online survey including the g-CEQ-F and the g-CEQ-S, administered after a gambling craving induction. Convergent and external validity were established using another craving measure and scales assessing disordered gambling symptoms, gambling cognitions, and gambling motives. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the expected 3 factors structure for both 9-items scales. The scales have good internal reliability and specific correlations with gambling related dimensions supported their validity. Conclusions: The g-CEQ is a valid measure of gambling craving that can be used to measure gambling craving in clinical and research contexts.