How Cognitive Genetic Factors Influence Fertility Outcomes: A Mediational SEM Analysis

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. 628-937

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.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1017%2Fthg.2016.82

Keyword(s)

educational attainment fertility polygenic score structural equation model verbal IQ

Notes

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 Article

Journal Title

Twin Research and Human Genetics

Author(s)

Woodley of Menie, Michael A.
Schwartz, Joseph A.
Beaver, Kevin M.

Year Published

2016

Volume Number

19

Issue Number

6

Pages

628-937

Edition

October 20, 2016

ISSN/ISBN

1832-4274 (Print) 1832-4274

DOI

10.1017/thg.2016.82

Reference ID

8064