Researchers are interested in understanding risk factors for problem gambling. Trait rumination involves a tendency to dwell on the reasons for and consequences of depressed mood. Trait impulsivity involves a tendency to act in ways that are risky, thoughtless, and lead to negative consequences. In this study, the researchers looked at the relationship between trait rumination, trait impulsivity, and problem gambling, and whether this relationship differs depending on gender. The researchers analyzed data from 1,202 young adults living in Budapest, Hungary, who had gambled in the past 12 months. They found that among participants with low levels of trait rumination, higher trait impulsivity was not related to problem gambling. However, among participants with high levels of trait rumination, higher trait impulsivity was related to more severe problem gambling. This effect was observed among men but not women. Interventions that target trait rumination and impulsivity might be beneficial for preventing problem gambling, especially among men.
