Waist-to-hip ratio and IQ

Date of Award

2014

Degree Name

M.A. in Clinical Psychology

Department

Department of Psychology

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Melissa J. Layman-Guadalupe

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and intelligence quotient scores (IQ), and whether this relationship might be affected by variations in body image, locus of control, or self-efficacy. Female college students (N=51) completed a brief IQ test and a series of personality measures, and were then measured at the hips and waist to calculate WHR. The current study did not replicate the previous findings of a link between WHR and IQ; further investigation is needed to determine whether there truly is a relationship between WHR and IQ as indicated by earlier research, and if such a link does exist, whether personality variables would be useful to include in the examination. In the current study, further analyses indicated relationships between body image and WHR as well as body mass index (BMI). Social self-efficacy was found to be related to verbal IQ scores as well as leadership roles.

Keywords

Somatotypes Psychological aspects, Intellect Psychological aspects, Women college students Intelligence levels Psychological aspects, Personality and intelligence, Body image in women, Clinical Psychology

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2014, author

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS