Genetic Associations Between Executive Functions and Intelligence: A Combined Twin and Adoption Study

Much debate has concerned the separability of executive function abilities and intelligence, with some evidence that the 2 constructs are genetically indistinguishable in children and adolescents but phenotypically and genetically distinct in older adolescents and adults. The current study leveraged data from twin and adoption studies to examine executive function's genetic structure in adulthood (M = 33.15 years, SD = 4.96) and its overlap with intelligence. 1,238 individuals (170 MZ twin pairs, 154 DZ twin pairs, 95 biological sibling pairs, 80 adoptive sibling pairs, and 240 unpaired individuals) completed 6 executive function tasks as well as the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-III as part of the Colorado Adoption/Twin study of Life span behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife). Results replicated the unity/diversity model of executive function that distinguishes general executive function abilities (Common EF) from abilities specific to working memory updating (Updating-specific) and mental set shifting (Shifting-specific). In the final model, broad-sense heritability was high for Common EF (h(2) = .72), Updating-specific (h(2) = 1.0), and Shifting-specific (h(2) = .60) factors, as well as for full-scale intelligence (h(2) = .74). Intelligence was phenotypically and genetically correlated with Common EF (r = .49, broad-sense r(g) = .44) and Updating-specific (r = .60, r(g) = .69) abilities. This study represents the first executive function study to apply the adoption design. Leveraging the combined twin and adoptive design allowed us to estimate both additive and nonadditive genetic effects underlying these associations. These findings highlight the commonality and separability of executive function and intelligence. Common EF abilities are distinct from intelligence in adulthood, with intelligence also strongly associated with Updating-specific abilities.

Automated summary

This study examined the genetic structure of executive function in adulthood and its overlap with intelligence using data from twin and adoption studies. The results suggest that executive function abilities are both common and specific, and they are phenotypically and genetically correlated with intelligence.