Confirmatory factor analysis of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale in an American college sample of light smokers.

The five-factor structure of the Nicotine Dependence Syndrome Scale (NDSS) obtained with samples of mature, heavy smokers has not been replicated in samples of younger, less experienced smokers. Furthermore, the idea that the interrelationships among the NDSS factors are best explained by a single higher-order factor (nicotine dependence) has not been evaluated empirically. This study examined the first- and second-order factor structure of the NDSS in a first-year college sample of light smokers (N = 154). NDSS measures completed at the end of the first semester of college were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The hypothesized five-factor model provided adequate fit to the data. The second-order factor model did not fit the data as well as the correlated first-order factor model, suggesting that an overarching dependence factor may not account for the interrelationships among the five first-order factors. This study provided support for the multidimensional structure of the NDSS among a first-year college sample of light smokers.