Intelligence and Mental Health

Intelligence, as measured by psychometric tests of cognitive ability, correlates modestly with superior adaptation and effective self-regulation, especially in academic and occupational contexts. Various causal hypotheses for associations between intelligence and health have been proposed. Longitudinal data show that low intelligence predicts numerous adverse health outcomes, including vulnerability to mental disorders. Higher ability may signal superior neurological functioning or bodily integrity, or it may correlate with social and behavioral factors that support health. Low ability may also depress performance on intellectual tasks. The clinical significance of intelligence has been investigated in studies of conditions including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and psychopathy.