It Runs in the Family: Testing for Longitudinal Family Flynn Effects

Abstract

The Flynn effect refers to increases over time in measured (particularly fluid) intelligence of approximately 3 IQ points per decade. We define the Flynn effect at the family level, using longitudinal data and two new family-level cohort definitions. Multilevel growth curve analyses of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 data showed that children in families with later-born mothers had higher average PIAT math scores, and lower average reading comprehension scores and growth, in young and middle childhood. Children in families where the first child was born later had higher average PIAT math, reading recognition, and reading comprehension scores, as well as larger developmental growth. The latter family-level Flynn effects were of higher magnitudes than the usual individual-level Flynn effect found in previous studies. Our results, showing family level-intercept and slope Flynn effects for both maternal birthyear and first child birthyear, have implications for research aiming to explain the Flynn effect.

Secular trends in physical growth, biological maturation, and intelligence in children and adolescents born between 1978 and 1993

“…Additionally, a cross-generational feedback loop exists, whereby children who are “better nurtured for intelligence” ( 10 , p. 5) have improved abilities and gain access to progressively superior resources, thereby amplifying their own children’s intellectual growth. Several studies have, indeed, provided evidence for a parental contribution to secular trends in IQ ( 61–64 ). Swiss parents have likely also become increasingly involved in supporting their children’s development and have created more stimulating and nurturing environments for their young children, leading to the positive secular trend in early childhood that was found in the current study.…”