E-cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS)

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The E-cigarette Dependence Scale (EDS) is a brief, validated tool designed to assess dependence on nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. It evaluates behavioral and psychological indicators of e-cigarette addiction, helping to identify individuals who may benefit from intervention or cessation support.

Recommended Frequency: Administer at intake for individuals who report e-cigarette use; reassess every 1–3 months if dependence is being monitored as part of treatment or health behavior change.

About the EDS

The EDS was developed to address the growing need for nicotine dependence screening specific to e-cigarettes, as traditional cigarette-based tools (e.g., Fagerström Test) may not fully capture the unique patterns of vaping behavior. The 4-item version of the EDS asks about cravings, use frequency, and feelings of control over vaping behaviour.

This version was validated in both adult and adolescent samples and is particularly useful in behavioural health, primary care, and smoking cessation programs.

Psychometric Properties

The 4-item EDS demonstrates strong internal consistency and validity in predicting vaping-related health impacts and quit readiness:

  • Internal consistency: Cronbach’s α = 0.84 (youth sample)
  • Strong correlations with vaping frequency, nicotine concentration, and quit attempts
  • Validated in multiple populations including teens and young adults
Sources: Morean et al., 2019; 2021

The Scale

The 4 items assess:

  1. Difficulty refraining from vaping in places where it’s not allowed
  2. Frequency of strong cravings
  3. Feelings of being addicted
  4. Unsuccessful efforts to quit or reduce use

Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 = Never to 4 = Always), with a total score range of 0 to 16.

Score Range

  • 0–3: No or minimal dependence
  • 4–8: Moderate dependence
  • 9–16: High dependence; likely to require behavioral or pharmacological intervention

Higher scores are associated with reduced quit success and greater health risk.

Copyright

© Yale University School of Medicine. Developed by Meghan E. Morean, PhD, and colleagues. Used in published academic research.

References

  1. Morean, M. E., Krishnan-Sarin, S., Sussman, S., & O’Malley, S. S. (2019). Development and initial validation of a self-report measure of dependence on electronic cigarettes among adolescents. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 207, 107763. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107763
  2. Morean, M. E., Camenga, D. R., Bold, K. W., et al. (2021). Predicting vaping dependence in adolescents using the E-cigarette Dependence Scale. Tobacco Regulatory Science, 7(2), 123–133. https://doi.org/10.18001/TRS.7.2.11

Disclaimer

This summary is for informational purposes only. The EDS is a screening tool, not a diagnostic assessment. HiBoop does not interpret results. This tool should be administered by trained professionals within the context of clinical care or health behaviour change programs.

Permissions

The EDS is available for non-commercial clinical and research use with appropriate citation. For commercial use, contact the original authors or their affiliated institutions. HiBoop team has gain permission from authors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the EDS be used with teens?

    Yes. It was specifically validated for use in adolescents aged 13+.

  • Is this better than e-FTCD?

    The EDS is shorter and more behaviourally specific to vaping. It’s more suitable for clients who don’t identify as “smokers” but still show signs of nicotine dependence.

  • How often should I repeat it?

    Every 4–6 weeks in active treatment, or if there’s a change in use pattern or motivation.