Psychometric Properties of a Revised Form of the Drug-Taking Confidence Questionnaire for Use with Adolescents

Abstract

Self-efficacy is an important cognitive predictor of substance abuse treatment outcome. Although measures of coping self-efficacy are related to substance use relapse in adults, their properties are not well-known in adolescent populations. The present study examined 223 adolescents while in treatment for substance abuse and comorbid psychiatric disorders. Responses on the Drug-Taking Confidence Questionnaire (DTCQ; Sklar, Annis, & Turner, 1997) were used to construct a 37-item, 5-factor version for use with adolescents. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis identified the following factors: (1) negative situations, (2) social/drugs,(3) pleasant emotions, (4) testing personal control, and (5) physical/intimate. Data preliminarily support the construct, concurrent, and predictive validity of the revised instrument.

KEYWORDS:

• comorbidity
• psychometrics
• relapse prevention
• self-efficacy

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism grants AA0703 and AA12171 to Sandra A. Brown and National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R29 DA09181 and K02 DA17652 to Mark G. Myers.

Notes

*p < .0001.

Note. Factor loadings from final confirmatory factor model, maximum likelihood estimation, all factor loadings are significant at the p < .05 level.

*p < .01.

Note. ANOVAs were used to test whether there were any differences between ethnic groups on the five scales or DTCQ total. Values in the table are F-tests, none of which were significant.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Danielle E. Ramo

Danielle E. Ramo, MS, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco.

Mark G. Myers

Mark G. Myers, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, and Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.

Sandra A. Brown

Sandra A. Brown, PhD, is Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, and Chief, Psychology Service, Veteran's Affairs San Diego Healthcare System.