Convergent and concurrent validity of the Contemplation Ladder and URICA scales

Abstract

This study examined the convergent and concurrent validity of the Contemplation Ladder and the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment (URICA). Intake data of participants recruited into two concurrent studies were analyzed. One group (n=77) had no plans to quit smoking within the next 6 months, while a second group (n=106) had definite plans to quit. The groups did not differ on any demographic variables except employment status. Contemplation Ladder scores for the entire sample (n=183) correlated positively with the URICA Contemplation and Action subscale scores but negatively with Precontemplation subscale scores. The Contemplation Ladder also correlated positively with the URICA Composite score. Additionally, participants seeking to quit within the next 6 months had significantly higher Contemplation Ladder and URICA Contemplation, Action, and Composite scores, but lower Precontemplation scores than participants not seeking to quit. Controlling for employment status did not change the pattern of results. Our findings provide support for the convergent and concurrent validity of these two measures and suggest that the single-item Contemplation Ladder may be a practical alternative to the URICA in certain situations.