Citation
Woodley of Menie, Michael A.; Schwartz, Joseph A.; & Beaver, Kevin M. (2016). How Cognitive Genetic Factors Influence Fertility Outcomes: A Mediational SEM Analysis. Twin Research and Human Genetics. vol. 19 (6) pp. 628-937Abstract
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.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017%2Fthg.2016.82Keyword(s)
educational attainment fertility polygenic score structural equation model verbal IQNotes
Woodley Of Menie, Michael A Schwartz, Joseph A Beaver, Kevin M Journal article England Twin Res Hum Genet. 2016 Oct 20:1-10.Reference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Twin Research and Human GeneticsAuthor(s)
Woodley of Menie, Michael A.Schwartz, Joseph A.
Beaver, Kevin M.