Polish adaptation and validation of the Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale

Introduction
Cigarette smoking leads to development of dependence and is the most frequent cause of many diseases, and premature deaths. Therefore recognition of smoking motives is an important research task. The aim of the study was the Polish adaptation and validation of the Modified Reasons for Smoking Scale (MRSS) which measures seven motives of smoking: addiction, pleasure, tension reduction, social, stimulation, habit and cigarette handling.

Material and methods
After obtaining an equivalent Polish translation of the original version, validation studies were conducted on a sample of 477 smokers (51% women) of 18 to 60 years of age. Construct validity was examined with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was determined by analysing internal consistency, temporal stability and item-total correlation coefficients. The indicators for criterion validity were results of Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence – Revised (FTND-R) and Self-Control Scale (SCS).

Results
CFA of 7-factor MRSS showed a sufficient fit to the data and weak loadings of 4 items. Two factors were very highly correlated. Subsequent CFA proved that the 5-factor version has better fit parameters and all factor loadings are high. It obtained high all reliability indicators. According to the hypotheses, smoking motives significantly correlate positively with FTND-R and negatively with SCS. There were significant differences in smoking motives depending on gender.

Discussion
Although the original 7-factor Polish MRSS version has relatively acceptable psychometric properties, the 5-factor version is more theoretically consistent and has better reliability and criterion validity rates. It measures the following motives: 1) addictive/automatism, 2) pleasure/handling, 3) tension reduction/relaxation, 4) social and 5) stimulation.

Conclusions
The shortened Polish version of MRSS has high psychometric properties and can successfully be used both in scientific research and in psycho-preventive and clinical practice.