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Early life predictors of intelligence in young adulthood and middle age

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  • Trine Flensborg-Madsen
  • Hanne-Lise Falgreen Eriksen
  • Erik Lykke Mortensen

Abstract

Background: Studies on early predictors of intelligence often focus on single or few predictors and often on childhood intelligence. This study compared the contributions of a broad selection of potential early predictors of intelligence at different adult ages. Methods: Information on predictors was recorded prospectively in the Copenhagen Perinatal Cohort during pregnancy, at delivery, and at 1- and 3-year examinations for children born between 1959–61. Adult intelligence was assessed at three independent follow-ups using three different tests of intelligence: Børge Priens Prøve, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and Intelligenz-Struktur-Test 2000R. From a total of 4697 cohort members, three non-overlapping samples were derived. Results: The included predictors explained between 22.2–24.3% of the variance in adult IQ, with parental socioeconomic status and sex explaining 16.2–17.0%. Other consistent predictors were head circumference at birth, increase in head circumference head during the first three years, and 3-year milestones. Head circumference was the most important anthropometric measure compared to measures of weight and length. Conclusion: Besides social status and sex, the strongest and most consistent early predictors of adult intelligence were physical or behavioural characteristics that to some extent reflect brain–and cognitive development.

Suggested Citation

  • Trine Flensborg-Madsen & Hanne-Lise Falgreen Eriksen & Erik Lykke Mortensen, 2020. "Early life predictors of intelligence in young adulthood and middle age," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 15(1), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0228144
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hanne-Lise Falgreen Eriksen & Ulrik Schiøler Kesmodel & Mette Underbjerg & Tina Røndrup Kilburn & Jacquelyn Bertrand & Erik Lykke Mortensen, 2013. "Predictors of Intelligence at the Age of 5: Family, Pregnancy and Birth Characteristics, Postnatal Influences, and Postnatal Growth," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(11), pages 1-8, November.
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