Human intelligence has long fascinated scientists. With modern neuroimaging methods like MRI, we now have an unprecedented ability to examine the biological basis of intelligence in the living brain. Key Facts: Larger brain size predicts greater intelligence, but regional brain volumes matter more than total size. More intelligent individuals tend to have greater volumes in …
Psychopathic individuals are known to commit a disproportionate amount of violence and crime. Yet the connections between psychopathy, intelligence and aggression are complex. A new study unpacks the links between these dangerous traits in men and women. Key Facts: Psychopathy was assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version which divides psychopathy into 4 facets – …
New research suggests that having higher intelligence may reduce the risk of depression associated with neuroticism, a personality trait linked to emotional instability. Key Facts: Neuroticism is strongly associated with an increased risk of depression and psychological distress. Intelligence does not appear to protect against clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder in highly neurotic individuals. …
A recent longitudinal study provides new insight into the association between intelligence in adolescence and mental health outcomes in middle age. The research indicates that higher intelligence in youth is linked to a lower risk of some common mental health issues at age 50, but a greater likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis. Key facts: …
Intelligence predicts health and mortality – but why? New research reveals some genes are implicated in both. Key facts: Intelligence test scores predict mortality, illnesses, and health behaviors. Higher scores indicate lower risk. Both intelligence and health/disease outcomes are highly polygenic – many genetic variants of small effect contribute. Genetic correlations exist between intelligence and …
Student cognitive abilities and college institutional factors both shape outcomes, but the historical evidence suggests student characteristics play an outsized role. Key Facts: In the research paper, student cognitive aptitude accounted for 41-47% of the variance in long-term salary outcomes. Institutional factors collectively accounted for more variance when entered first into models, suggesting both student …
A new study published in the Journal of Personality suggests that individuals exhibiting secondary psychopathic traits are perceived as less intelligent than those with primary psychopathic traits. The research examined how laypeople view the intelligence of others based on psychopathic traits. Here are some key findings: Individuals described as exhibiting high secondary psychopathy traits (impulsivity, …
A study published in Wellcome Open Research has uncovered evidence that exposures experienced by grandparents, including smoking and economic conditions at the time of their birth, may be associated with reduced IQ scores in their grandchildren. The research suggests potential lasting impacts across multiple generations of certain harmful environmental factors. Key facts: The study found …
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition characterized by challenges in social communication and repetitive behaviors. One aspect that contributes to the heterogeneity seen across the autism spectrum is differences in intelligence and cognitive abilities. Recent research is shining new light on the intelligence profiles of individuals with ASD, showing a shift away from …
Siblings often turn out quite different from one another, despite sharing much of their genetics and childhood environment. One of the most robust findings in this realm is that earlier-born siblings tend to outperform later-borns in measures of intelligence and educational achievement. But what causes these birth order differences? Is it nature or nurture? A …
