The Role of IQ in Socio-Economic Differences in Functioning
Author Information
Author(s): Hans Bosma, Martin PJ van Boxtel, Gertrudis IJM Kempen, Jacques ThM van Eijk, Jelle Jolles
Primary Institution: Maastricht University
Hypothesis
To what extent does IQ 'explain' socio-economic variations in function?
Conclusion
Higher intellectual abilities are important for reducing functional decline and contribute to socio-economic differences in functioning and quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Persons with a low occupational level showed more functional decline than those with a high occupational level.
- Intellectual abilities accounted for more than one third of the association between socio-economic status and functional decline.
- The contribution of intellectual abilities was independent of early life factors.
Takeaway
People with higher IQs tend to do better in life and have fewer problems as they get older, especially compared to those with lower IQs.
Methodology
The study used a prospective cohort design with participants from a registration network of general practices in The Netherlands, assessing their physical, affective, and cognitive functioning over six years.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias in self-reported early life conditions and attrition bias due to lower participation from those with low socio-economic status.
Limitations
The study's findings may be influenced by the fact that IQ was measured at baseline, and changes in IQ due to socio-economic circumstances cannot be ruled out.
Participant Demographics
Participants were men and women aged 24 to 81 years, without cognitive impairment at baseline.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
(1.26, 6.61)
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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