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Psychometric assessment of the Craving to Tan Questionnaire

Abstract Background: Researchers and clinicians suggest that excessive tanning may be a behavioral addiction. Given the significance of craving in substance use, craving may be a useful construct to assess in those who tan. Objective: We designed this study to assess the psychometric properties of an alcohol craving measure adapted to measure past-week craving to tan. Methods: Undergraduate students (n = 421) who reported past-month tanning completed a battery of questionnaires that assessed demographics, tanning-related characteristics, and psychopathology, in addition to the Craving to Tan Questionnaire (CTQ). Results: Analyses provided support for a single factor CTQ with good internal consistency, construct validity and convergent validity. CTQ scores were significantly higher among problematic versus non-problematic and dependent versus non-dependent tanners. CTQ scores were also associated with several tanning-related characteristics, such money spent on tanning in a typical month, frequency of tanning, and frequency of tanning-related problems. Additional analyses found that past-week craving to tan was significantly associated with greater obsessive compulsive and body dysmorphic symptoms. Conclusions: It may be useful in clinical settings to identify those experiencing problems with tanning and in research to further clarify the conceptualization of addiction-like tanning. However, the CTQ needs further evaluation.