Illegible handwriting May Be a Sign of High Intelligence,Research Suggests
The notion of intelligence is often linked to analytical and logical skills,but experts suggest it manifests in unexpected everyday habits as well. Surprisingly, the way a person writes may reveal more about their cognitive abilities than previously thought – and it’s not neat penmanship that catches the eye of psychologists. A common characteristic appears among highly intelligent individuals when they put pen to paper.
Recent research indicates a correlation between less-than-perfect handwriting and higher intelligence. A study published in The American Journal of Psychology and reported by Le Figaro Student, conducted by a researcher at Yale University, found that students with more challenging-to-read handwriting tended to have higher IQs. The research focused on the shape of letters, rather than spelling accuracy, to identify cognitive profiles.
The study involved comparing the handwriting of students from primary school through university, analyzed by 105 teachers. Researchers then correlated these observations with the students’ IQ scores and academic performance. The results showed that those with poorer handwriting, on average, demonstrated higher intelligence. Psychologist Arnold L. Gesel noted that “children with illegible handwriting showed high mental abilities and above-average mental agility.” He further observed that “Those with sloppy handwriting, but good spelling, have better grades throughout their schooling.”
The clarification, according to the research, lies in the speed at wich intelligent individuals process details. Their thoughts move so rapidly that their hands struggle to keep pace. The brain prioritizes processing ideas over meticulously forming letters, resulting in faster writing that indicates well-developed language and vision areas. This isn’t a sign of carelessness,but rather a reflection of a constantly active and agile mind.
Though, the study acknowledges that factors beyond intelligence can contribute to messy handwriting, including muscular fatigue, psychomotor difficulties, and poor posture. Graphedagogue Laurence pierson, speaking to Figaro Student, also points out the declining importance of handwriting in the digital age, with keyboard use replacing manual practice.
Despite these considerations, the research offers a new perspective: those who scribble quickly and with less regard for aesthetics may have a legitimate reason to defend their handwriting as a sign of speedy thinking.