Does IQ Predict Mortality Risk?
Author Information
Author(s): Batty G D, Shipley M J, Gale C R, Mortensen L H, Deary I J
Primary Institution: MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow
Hypothesis
Does IQ predict total and cardiovascular disease mortality as strongly as other risk factors?
Conclusion
Lower scores on measures of IQ at two time points were associated with cardiovascular disease and total mortality at a level greater than several other established risk factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Lower IQ scores in both early adulthood and middle age were related to total and cardiovascular disease mortality.
- Family income was the strongest predictor of mortality risk.
- Adjustment for confounding factors led to attenuation of the association with mortality.
Takeaway
This study found that people with lower IQ scores are more likely to die from heart disease and other causes than those with higher scores.
Methodology
Cohort study of US male former army personnel with data on IQ test scores and 15-year mortality surveillance.
Potential Biases
Selection bias may exist due to the sample being a subset of those who participated in the medical examination.
Limitations
The sample may not be representative as it only includes men with complete data, and the risk factor data were mainly collected in the mid-1980s.
Participant Demographics
US male former army personnel, average age at army entry was 20 years.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI provided for various risk factors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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