Attention problems, inhibitory control, and intelligence index overlapping genetic factors: a study in 9-, 12-, and 18-year-old twins.
It is assumed that attention problems (AP) are related to impaired executive functioning. We investigated the association between AP and inhibitory control and tested to what extent the association was due to genetic factors shared with IQ. Data were available from 3 independent samples of 9-, 12-, and 18-year-old twins and their siblings (1,209 participants). AP were assessed with checklists completed by multiple informants. Inhibitory control was measured with the Stroop Color Word Task (Stroop, 1935), and IQ with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (Wechsler et al., 2002) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Wechsler, 1997). AP and inhibitory control were only correlated in the 12-year-old cohort (r = .18), but appeared non-significant after controlling for IQ. Significant correlations existed between AP and IQ in 9- and 12-year olds (r = -.26/-.34). Inhibitory control and IQ were correlated in all cohorts (r = -.16, -.24 and -.35, respectively). Genetic factors that influenced IQ also influenced inhibitory control. We conclude that the association between AP and inhibitory control as reported in the literature may largely derive from genetic factors that are shared with IQ.
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Tinca J C
0000-0001-5564-301X
TJC
Polderman
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Eco J C
0000-0001-6022-2666
EJC
de Geus
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Rosa A
0000-0002-1333-9762
RA
Hoekstra
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Meike
M
Bartels
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Marieke
M
van Leeuwen
Erasmus University Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital.
Frank C
FC
Verhulst
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Danielle
0000-0001-7582-2365
D
Posthuma
Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam.
Dorret I
DI
Boomsma
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001288:Attention; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012737:Sex Factors; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*; D014429:Twins, Dizygotic / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D014888:Wechsler Scales