Psychometric properties of the State and Trait Food Cravings Questionnaires among overweight and obese persons

A crucial problem in studies involving food cravings is the lack of a psychometrically sound measure for use among overweight and obese populations. The degree to which the Food Cravings Questionnaires-Trait (FCQ-T) and State (FCQ-S) evidenced acceptable psychometric properties among overweight and obese participants was assessed. In study 1, 109 participants completed the FCQ-T and FCQ-S. Item-total correlations, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and factor structures were examined. Results indicate good internal consistency and partially support the factor structures. In study 2, the construct and predictive validity of the FCQ-S were examined. Twenty-eight women completed the FCQ-S 15 min after finishing a standardized breakfast and then twice more, 90 min apart. Subsequent ad libitum food intake was recorded. Results suggest that the FCQ-S is sensitive to state changes in food cravings, but that the magnitude of the changes was moderate. The FCQ-S was not a good predictor of subsequent food intake. The FCQ-T and FCQ-S may be useful in studies that examine triggers of and interventions for excessive food intake.