Childhood IQ and adolescent health behavior.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates whether cognitive ability in early childhood predicts adolescent health-related and risky behaviors, independent of schooling and socioeconomic background. Using longitudinal data from the Kindergarten cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), we link matrix reasoning scores from ages 6 to 10 to health behaviors at age 16/17. Behaviors include substance use, unsafe driving, nutrition, dental hygiene, and sleep. To reduce dimensionality and interpret behavioral patterns, we derive two composite indices via principal component analysis: a risk-taking index and a health habit index. We find that higher early-life IQ is consistently associated with lower risk-taking and better health habits in adolescence, even after adjusting for a comprehensive s

SUBMITTER: Jurges H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12681829 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature