Psychosocial and Attachment problems in single born twins

Twin pregnancies often go accompanied with increased chances of prenatal and perinatal death of a co-twin. Research has shown there is an association between losing a co-twin during or right after birth and psychological problem in the surviving twin. In addition, losing a baby in a multiple pregnancy can lead to complex feelings of grief in the parents which might influence the parental attachment to the surviving baby. One study found a relationship between losing a co-twin in the womb and anxiety in children, however, to date no studies have examined whether there is an association between losing a co-twin in the womb and emotional and attachment problems in adulthood. The sample of this study consisted of 96 participants (90,63% females, Mage = 44,38) of which 82 single born twins and 14 full siblings. Participants completed an online survey with multiple questionnaires to measure emotional and attachment problems. The regression analyses showed that single born twins reported...Show moreTwin pregnancies often go accompanied with increased chances of prenatal and perinatal death of a co-twin. Research has shown there is an association between losing a co-twin during or right after birth and psychological problem in the surviving twin. In addition, losing a baby in a multiple pregnancy can lead to complex feelings of grief in the parents which might influence the parental attachment to the surviving baby. One study found a relationship between losing a co-twin in the womb and anxiety in children, however, to date no studies have examined whether there is an association between losing a co-twin in the womb and emotional and attachment problems in adulthood. The sample of this study consisted of 96 participants (90,63% females, Mage = 44,38) of which 82 single born twins and 14 full siblings. Participants completed an online survey with multiple questionnaires to measure emotional and attachment problems. The regression analyses showed that single born twins reported more emotional and attachment problems than non-single born twins. A paired samples t-test showed the same results for emotional problems when comparing single born twins with their siblings. The age at which single born twins heard about their loss was not associated with the severity of emotional and attachment problems. The results indicate the importance of researching the link between losing a co-twin in the womb and emotional and attachment problems and suggest to take the personal experiences, environmental influences, and nesting of participants in families into account.Show less

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Psychosocial and Attachment problems in single born twins