Negative Consequences Related to Nonmedical Prescription Stimulant Use: Development and Psychometric Validation of the Prescription Stimulant Consequences Questionnaire

• Author: Alison Looby,Adrian J. Bravo,Nicholas R. Livingston,Ty S. Schepis,
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/00220426221093606
• Published date: 01 January 2023
• Date: 01 January 2023
• Subject Matter: Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/00220426221093606

Journal of Drug Issues

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DOI: 10.1177/00220426221093606

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Article

Negative Consequences Related

to Nonmedical Prescription

Stimulant Use: Development

and Psychometric Validation

of the Prescription Stimulant

Consequences Questionnaire

Alison Looby1, Adrian J. Bravo2, Nicholas R. Livingston1,

Ty S. Schepis3, and Stimulant Norms and Prevalence

(SNAP) Study Team†

Abstract

Nonmedical prescription stimulant use (NPS) is prevalent among undergraduates and associated

with several negative consequences. However, no validated measures exist assessing NPS-

related consequences. The present study aimed to develop and psychometrically validate a

Prescription Stimulant Consequences Questionnaire (PSCQ) for use among college students.

A multisite sample of college students endorsing NPS (N = 715, 68.4% female) completed the

PSCQ and measures of NPS frequency and correlates of NPS via an online survey. Exploratory

factor analysis supported a 27-item measure, with three factors (i.e., Compulsive Behavior, Risky

Behaviors, and Physical and Mental Health) and a total score. Each PSCQ factor and total score

demonstrated good internal consistency, and were significantly positively associated with all

NPS frequency indicators, route of administration, alcohol-related problems, sleep problems,

and depressive/anxiety symptoms. Findings demonstrate support for the psychometric validity

and reliability of the newly developed PSCQ, which may demonstrate potential as a screening

and outcome measure for intervention.

Keywords

prescription stimulants, consequences, assessment, college students

1Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA

2Department of Psychological Sciences, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA, USA

3Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA

†This project was completed by the Stimulant Norms and Prevalence (SNAP) Study Team, which includes the

following investigators (in alphabetical order): Adrian J. Bravo, William & Mary (Co-PI); Bradley T. Conner, Colorado

State University; Mitch Earleywine, University at Albany, State University of New York; James Henson, Old Dominion

University; Alison Looby, University of Wyoming (Co-PI); Mark A. Prince, Colorado State University; Ty Schepis,

Texas State University; Margo Villarosa-Hurlocker, University of New Mexico.

Corresponding Author:

Alison Looby, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, 1000 E. University Ave, Dept. 3415, Laramie,

WY 82071, USA.

Email: alooby@uwyo.edu

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2023, Vol. 53(1) 114–128