Dual Perspectives: Exploring Self-Identity Development in Twins

While psychological research often uses twins to compare genetic and environmental influences on development, little attention has been given to the lived experience of twins themselves. This study aimed to target this issue by investigating the developmental implications of being a twin, with a particular focus on the formation of self-identity and individuality. Participants were asked to complete a survey that explored topics such as their self-concept, attachment style, and perceived level of experienced social comparison with their sibling. Results found a statistically significant difference between twins and non-twin siblings on a measure of self-concept, in that twins scored higher on identity disturbance compared to non-twins. This implies that growing up with a twin sibling may pose unique challenges to establishing a secure sense of identity, highlighting the need for future research that more deeply considers how twin dynamics may shape identity development in ways not accounted for by traditional models of growth. Although the study’s other three hypotheses were not supported, additional findings revealed a significant positive correlation among non-twins between experienced comparison with their siblings and similarity to those siblings now, as well as between experienced contrast and perceived dissimilarity. These patterns as a whole point to the importance of considering sibling context in identity development. Overall, these results and future research in the field could help to inform parenting strategies, educational approaches, and even clinical interventions aimed at fostering individuality and secure identity, particularly among twins.