Reliability and Validity of the Korean version of the Pornography Craving Questionnaire (K-PCQ) Based on the Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory

Objective: The Pornography Craving Questionnaire (PCQ) is a 12-item questionnaire to measure craving for pornography with high reliability and validity. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the PCQ (K-PCQ) using classical test theory and item response theory. Methods: The K-PCQ was administered to 358 university students. Goodness of fit test and differential item functioning (DIF) analysis based on Rasch model, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and correlation analysis were used to test its reliability and validity. Results: Goodness of fit test of items revealed that most K-PCQ items were productive for measurement. The outfit mean square value of only one item, Item 11, was greater than 2. This indicated that Item 11 might be a misfit with low endorsement. The CFA results revealed that all items of the K-PCQ measured a single construct. The EFA results revealed that the K-PCQ had excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.94). The DIF analysis results revealed that the measurement of pornography craving using the K-PCQ did not differ based on gender. The correlation coefficient, which indicates test–retest reliability, was 0.61 for Young’s Cybersexual Addiction Index and 0.42 for the Korean sexual impulsivity scale. In addition, the result of Poly-DIMTEST supported the unidimensionality of the K-PCQ. Conclusion: The items of the K-PCQ are unidimensional and have good reliability and validity. The K-PCQ will be useful in future clinical practice and research as a screening tool for pornography craving.