The chemosensory pleasure scale for children (CPS-C): Factor structure, reliability, and validity

Abstract

Chemosensory anhedonia, a decreased ability to experience pleasant smells and tastes, is a key clinical feature of many neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. The Chemosensory Pleasure Scale (CPS) was designed to assess the hedonic capacity to enjoy smells and tastes. However, the CPS for children remains underdeveloped. This study was conducted to develop the Chemosensory Pleasure Scale for children (CPS-C) with data gathered from a population of children. We examined the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the CPS-C by administering it to four samples, comprising a total of 673 healthy children. Sample A (N = 280) was used to examine the structure of the CPS-C through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Sample B (N = 280) was used to verify the factor structure of the scale through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The EFA results showed that the three-factor model (food, imagination, and nature) had an acceptable fit that was similar to that of the CPS for adults. The CFA results confirmed these findings in sample B. Sample C (N = 45) was used to assess the reliability of the CPS-C over a 1-week period through its internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest reliability. Sample D (N = 113) was used to test the empirical validity of the CPS-C. The CPS-C had good reliability (internal consistency and test–retest stability) and validity. In conclusion, the CPS-C has three factors that can be used to measure children’s chemosensory hedonic capacity.