Researchers at Beijing Normal University have recently conducted a study revealing that certain cognitive abilities, particularly those associated with metacognition and mentalizing, may be more significantly influenced by environmental factors than genetics. Published in Cell Reports, this study utilized a twin-based experimental model to delve into the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to cognitive processing, shedding light on our understanding of how we perceive and interpret our own and others’ mental states.
While previous research has indicated a substantial heritable component to general intelligence, less is known about the genetic versus environmental influences on more nuanced cognitive functions like metacognition and mentalizing. Metacognition involves the awareness and control of one’s cognitive processes, while mentalizing pertains to understanding and interpreting the mental states of oneself and others, both crucial for social interaction and personal success.
Lead author Xiaohong Wan of Beijing Normal University notes, “Our study may be the first to demonstrate that a different kind of cognitive ability, known as metacognition and mentalizing, might be much more influenced by environment.” To explore this, the researchers recruited 251 participants, including both monozygotic (identical) and dizygotic (fraternal) twins, assessing their cognitive functions through tasks designed to evaluate metacognition and mentalizing abilities.
Surprisingly, the study found that environmental factors played a more substantial role in shaping metacognitive and mentalizing abilities compared to genetic factors. This was evidenced by the similarities in performance between twins, with shared upbringing and experiences having a greater impact than genetic makeup.
The tasks involved participants observing visual displays and estimating confidence levels, both for themselves and for others, without direct feedback. Contrary to expectations based on the high heritability of general cognitive abilities, the study highlighted the significance of shared family environmental factors in shaping metacognitive and mentalizing abilities.
While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers acknowledge its limitations, such as the complexity of the tasks used and the need for larger studies to confirm the findings. Nonetheless, the research opens avenues for further exploration into the interplay between genetic and environmental influences on cognitive functions.
The study, titled “Distinct genetic and environmental origins of hierarchical cognitive abilities in adult humans,” was authored by Shaohan Jiang, Fanru Sun, Peijun Yuan, Yi Jiang, and Xiaohong Wan.
