Growing up in an untidy home can mess up a child’s mind, according to a new American study.
Researchers from Pennsylvania State University studied data from about 8 000 three- and four-year-old twins.
By comparing identical twins, who are genetically the same, with non-identical twins, who are not, they were able to separate the influence of genes and environment on intelligence.
The researchers collected information on social background, household chaos and mental ability, which was measured with quizzes as well as vocabulary and grammar tests.
They discovered that disorganisation and chaos have an impact on mental skills that is unconnected to social background.
This is despite the fact that the homes of wealthier and better-educated parents are slightly more organised.
Robert Plomin, who co-led the research, told New Scientist magazine: ”It just makes sense. If a kid is in a really chaotic home, it’s hard to imagine that they can learn in a normal way.
”Their surroundings just aren’t subtle enough for them to tease apart the world.”
The findings also suggest that when the environment is more stressful, intelligence is more likely to be constrained by genes. — Sapa-DPA