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Multilevel multiverse meta-analysis indicates lower IQ as a risk factor for physical and mental illness
Jonathan Fries1, Sandra Oberleiter2, Fabian A Bodensteiner3
1Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. jonathan.fries@univie.ac.at.
Communications Psychology
|May 13, 2025
Summary
Lower early-life intelligence, indicated by a 15-point IQ disadvantage, is linked to a 22% increased risk of later mental and physical illnesses. Improving education and healthcare may mitigate this association.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Intelligence is a significant determinant of life choices and health outcomes.
- Existing research on intelligence and health is fragmented, lacking quantitative synthesis.
- Early-life intelligence as a predictor of later physical and mental illness requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies examining the association between early-life intelligence test scores and subsequent mental and physical health.
- To quantitatively synthesize the existing literature on this relationship.
- To identify potential moderating factors, such as healthcare quality and education.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 studies with over 2,900,000 participants.
- Inclusion of studies with standardized intelligence test scores from individuals under 21 years of age.
- Multilevel multiverse analyses to assess the robustness of findings and control for bias.
Main Results:
- A 15-point lower intelligence quotient (IQ) in early life was associated with a 22% higher risk of later mental and physical illnesses.
- Lower IQ predicted risks for conditions including schizophrenia, depression, dementia, and diabetes.
- The IQ-health association weakened with improved healthcare quality and when education was controlled, but a significant effect remained.
Conclusions:
- Lower early-life intelligence is a significant risk factor for a wide range of later-life physical and mental health conditions.
- Enhancements in education and healthcare quality may serve as potential interventions to mitigate these risks.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive ability in public health strategies, while acknowledging limitations in generalizability due to sample demographics and geographic scope.
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