Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2016
Publication Title
Twin Research and Human Genetics
Volume
19
Issue
6
First Page
628
Last Page
637
Abstract
Utilizing a newly released cognitive Polygenic Score (PGS) from Wave IV of Add Health (n = 1,886), structural equation models (SEMs) examining the relationship between PGS and fertility (which is approximately 50% complete in the present sample), employing measures of verbal IQ and educational attainment as potential mediators, were estimated. The results of indirect pathway models revealed that verbal IQ mediates the positive relationship between PGS and educational attainment, and educational attainment in turn mediates the negative relationship between verbal IQ and a latent fertility measure. The direct path from PGS to fertility was non-significant. The model was robust to controlling for age, sex, and race; furthermore, the results of a multigroup SEM revealed no significant differences in the estimated path coeficients across sex. These results indicate that those predisposed towards higher verbal IQ by virtue of higher PGS values are also predisposed towards trading fertility against time spent in education, which contributes to those with higher PGS values producing fewer offspring at this stage in their life course.
Recommended Citation
Woodley of Menie, Michael A.; Schwartz, Joesph A.; and Beaver, Kevin M., "How cognitive genetic factors influence fertility outcomes: A mediational SEM analysis" (2016). Criminology and Criminal Justice Faculty Publications. 77.
https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/criminaljusticefacpub/77
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
This article has been published in a revised form in Twin Research and Human Genetics [https://doi.org/10.1017/thg.2016.82]. This version is published under a Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND. No commercial re-distribution or re-use allowed. Derivative works cannot be distributed. © copyright holder.