The so-called “ancestor effect” seems to work by reminding the brain that seemingly impossible hurdles can be overcome.
Psychologists think the effect comes from the fact that those who familiarise themselves with their family history appear to gain a stronger sense of identity and self-esteem, Daily Mail reported quoting the European Journal of Social Psychology.
In intelligence tests on 80 volunteers, scientists found a marked improvement among those who, prior to the tasks, were asked to spend a short while considering what previous generations of their families had endured.