Height may play a part in intelligence
FRIDAY, MARCH 07, 2014 12:28 PM

Many studies conclude that environmental factors, like the type of music you listen to and exposure to chemicals, can have some kind of effect on IQ scores. Now researchers from three universities in the United Kingdom - University College London, Edinburgh University and the University of Aberdeen - say that your height can also affect your intelligence. However, while the data suggests people who are taller score better on tests, there is no correlation between height and success in life. Parents can focus on much more than increasing their children's heights to ensure they get the most out of life.

Genetic and environmental factors of intelligence
During the five-year study, researchers took the tissue samples of 6,800 participants and identified DNA markers for height. The subjects, all unrelated, then took tests that measured how well they could recall information, use various language skills and react to stimuli. The scientists discovered that a small association between height and intelligence exists, which they attribute 70 percent to genetics and 30 percent to environmental factors.

For years, researchers studied the relationship between health and height. Some studies revealed that shorter people have a tendency to express what is known as a Napoleon complex, displaying characteristics of fear and paranoia when in unfamiliar groups. Other reports indicated shorter people have worse health, both mentally and physically, and intelligent people tend to choose taller individuals as mates.

Penetrating the height barrier
These studies only scratch the surface when it comes to intelligence and are even less useful when determining factors for success. There are many well-documented methods to ensure your children will have opportunities to reach their goals in life. One of the most influential factors attributed to success is self-discipline. Multiple longitudinal studies report that willpower has a much more significant bearing on achievement. Those who express a strong desire to learn will spend more time trying to earn higher grades and will likely get accepted into highly selective schools. Willpower is closely related to perseverance, a non-cognitive and non-physical characteristic described as a passion to achieve long-term goals despite difficulty and constant hardships. Developing these traits in your children will trump any advantages their taller counterparts might have.

In addition to willpower and perseverance, giving your children an early start in education will also help them become successful. Consider reading along with them instead of reading to them. This helps build early reading abilities and increases their capacity to learn new vocabulary.