A negative Flynn effect in Finland, 1997–2009

•The IQs of conscripts in Finland increased 1988–1997•The IQs of conscripts in Finland declined 1997–2009•IQ increases and declines were greatest in non-verbal ability.

The average IQs of approximately 25,000 18–20 year old male military conscripts in Finland per year are reported for the years 1988 to 2009. The results showed increases in the scores on tests of Shapes, Number and Words over the years 1988 to 1997 averaging 4.0 IQ points a decade. From 1997 to 2009 there were declines in all three tests averaging 2.0 IQ points a decade.