Personality correlates of Iowa Gambling Task performance in healthy adolescents

This study examined relations among scores on the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Junior (EPQ-J) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which requires balancing immediate vs. future rewards, in healthy adolescents (ages 9–17). In multiple regression analyses, neuroticism was negatively associated with IGT performance among males. Relationships between IGT performance and other EPQ-J factors were non-significant. Additionally, parent-reported externalizing as measured by the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist interacted with neuroticism and extraversion to predict IGT performance. We suggest that trait factors vary within individuals and between genders to impact decision-making.