summary: A new study reveals that developmental differences strongly influence the dominant role in twin relationships, with neurotypical twins being perceived as more dominant than their atypical siblings. Ta. This advantage imbalance persists throughout childhood, even as developmental challenges improve.
Genetic similarities also influence dynamics, as identical twins exhibit a more symmetrical relationship than fraternal twins. Parental perceptions play an important role, often reinforcing a dominant role through biases that exaggerate differences and highlighting the need for strategies to foster balanced relationships.
important facts
- Developmental impact: Neurotypical twins are consistently considered dominant when combined with an atypical sibling.
- Genetic influence: Identical twins exhibit more balanced dynamics compared to fraternal twins.
- Parent role: Parental biases, such as the “contrast effect,” reinforce twin dominance patterns.
sauce: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The study, conducted by Professor Ariel Kunafo-Noum and Dr. Yonat Lam of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, together with Dr. Hila Segal and Dr. Adi Barkan of Tel Aviv-Jaffa Academic College, explores how developmental differences influence dynamics. revealed that it has an impact. Dominance in twin relationships throughout childhood.
Twins, unlike singletons, are the same age and often share a similar environment, creating a unique relationship dynamic in which traditional factors such as birth order play no role.
This research family relationshipsLet’s explore how developmental differences between twins, particularly when one child has a developmental disability and the other does not, affect dominance dynamics over time. did.
The study surveyed more than 1,500 parents of identical and fraternal twins between the ages of 3 and 9. They found that when one twin is neurotypical and the other has a developmental disorder, parents consistently perceive the neurotypical twin as the dominant sibling.
This dominance imbalance remained stable throughout childhood, even as the atypical twin’s developmental challenges were resolved. No significant differences in dominance were reported in twin pairs in which both siblings shared the same developmental status, whether typical or atypical.
These findings suggest that asymmetries in ability between twins, rather than developmental status per se, are causing the advantage imbalance.
Parental perceptions played an important role in shaping these power relationships. The study builds on previous research showing that parents often emphasize differences between twins through something called the “contrast effect,” a bias that exaggerates perceived differences.
This parental tendency can reinforce a dominant role, influence twin interactions, and shape long-term relationship dynamics.
This finding is consistent with family systems theory, which posits that families function as interconnected units, with one member’s actions and roles influencing other members.
In this context, parental perceptions and behaviors may incorrectly establish a particular role in the twin relationship, such as “dominant” or “submissive.”
Interestingly, genetic similarity also influenced dominance patterns. Identical twins, who share nearly identical genetic material, were more likely to exhibit a symmetrical dominant relationship compared to dizygotic twins, even when their developmental conditions differed.
This suggests that genetic factors and personality traits may play a role in shaping dominant behavior in identical twin pairs, creating a more balanced relationship. .
The study also found that dominant roles established early in life tend to persist even when the atypical twin’s developmental status improves.
This persistence can be understood through role theory. Role theory explains how family roles, once established, become ingrained through both behavior and parental reinforcement. To reduce the effects of entrenched dominant roles, parents are encouraged to create opportunities for more balanced power relationships.
These dynamics encourage twins to relate beyond their relationship as twins, foster individuality, and provide an avenue for the less dominant twin to assert themselves in certain areas. helps reduce the long-term effects of
This study provides a nuanced understanding of how developmental differences shape twin relationships and highlights the importance of parental perceptions in navigating these dynamics.
By addressing these patterns early, parents and caregivers can foster a healthier, more balanced sibling relationship that benefits twins’ social and emotional development.
About this genetics, personality, and neurodevelopmental research news
author: Yarden Mills
sauce: Hebrew University of Jerusalem
contact: Yarden Mills – Hebrew University of Jerusalem
image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
““You and I”: Parents’ perceptions of asymmetries in twin development and the dynamics of their dominance relationships.” by Ariel Knafo-Noem et al. family relationships
abstract
“You and I”: Parents’ perceptions of asymmetries in twin development and the dynamics of their dominance relationships.
objective
This study investigated the role of atypical development in relative advantage in twin relationships throughout childhood. Background The dominance dynamics that influence sibling well-being are different in twins than in singletons, where age and development often determine sibling hierarchy.
These dynamics in twins sharing similar age and developmental status remain unclear and require further understanding.
method
In a longitudinal study, 1,547 mothers and fathers of 322 pairs of identical twins (nearly 100% shared genetic differences) and 1,199 pairs of dizygotic twins (shared 50% genetic differences) aged 3 to 8-9 years old. 536 people were surveyed. Parents reported on the twins’ relationship. Mothers reported whether either twin had a developmental disorder.
result
No differences in dominance were found between two siblings with similar developmental conditions, whether both twins were neurotypical or atypical. However, in dyadic relationships in which the twins differed in developmental status, the atypical twin was not dominant over the neurotypical twin. This advantage imbalance persisted throughout childhood, even if early developmental problems were resolved.
conclusion
From a parent’s perspective, atypical development itself does not prevent a child from exhibiting dominant behavior in the twin, but it does raise the possibility that asymmetry in developmental conditions is related to the relationship between the twins. is considered to be high.
Implications and Recommendations Based on parental perceptions, atypical twins may experience relationship imbalances throughout childhood if their twin is a neurotypical child. However, in other situations it may be possible for them to show an advantage.
Understanding these control dynamics is essential for caregivers and provides individualized parenting strategies and interventions to support child well-being.
