#667 - Nancy Segal - What Twins Separated At Birth Teach Us About Nature vs Nurture

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Aug 14, 2023

Nancy Segal, a leading twin-study researcher and professor, dives into the nature vs. nurture debate through fascinating case studies of twins separated at birth. She discusses astonishing similarities between these twins and reveals unique phenomena like super fecundation. The emotional bonds shared by identical twins are explored, highlighting their impact on behavior and relationships. The conversation also addresses the ethical concerns of twin separations for research, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic backgrounds in shaping identity.

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INSIGHT

Twin Cooperation and Kinship

Identical twins exhibit greater cooperation and social closeness than fraternal twins.
This may be due to shared genes influencing similar temperaments and information processing.

ANECDOTE

Puzzle Task Observation

In a puzzle task, identical twins displayed coordinated efforts and cooperation, leading to success.
Fraternal twins, however, worked independently, leading to competition and a less efficient process.

INSIGHT

Unparalleled Twin Bond

The identical twin bond surpasses all other human relationships in closeness, including mother-child bonds.
This is supported by bereavement research, where identical twins grieve more intensely for their co-twin than any other relative.

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Deliberately Divided

Inside the Controversial Study of Twins and Triplets Adopted Apart

Nancy Segal

Deliberately Divided by Nancy Segal delves into the controversial study of twins and triplets who were intentionally separated at birth and secretly studied in the 1960s and 1970s. The book provides a nuanced exploration of the study's ethical issues, the lives of the separated twins, and the motivations behind the research. It serves as a critical examination of the scientific and moral climate that led to such a study.

Gay Fathers, Twin Sons

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This book tells the story of Andrew and Elad Dvash-Banks, a gay couple who faced legal challenges when applying for U.S. citizenship for their twin sons, Aiden and Ethan. The twins were conceived via surrogacy, with each father biologically related to one son. The couple's journey involved a high-profile lawsuit that nearly reached the U.S. Supreme Court, capturing global attention and inspiring change in legal interpretations and social policies.

Entwined Lives

Twins and What They Tell Us About Human Behavior

Nancy Segal

Entwined Lives delves into the fascinating world of twins, using them as a natural experiment to explore the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in human development. The book discusses various aspects of twin studies, including intelligence, personality traits, and the impact of twin research on our understanding of human behavior. It also touches on controversial topics such as twin separation and adoption practices.

Born Together--Reared Apart

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In 'Born Together—Reared Apart', Nancy Segal provides a detailed account of the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, a landmark investigation that significantly influenced the understanding of genetic and environmental influences on human behavior. The study revealed substantial genetic contributions to traits such as personality and intelligence, challenging conventional views on parenting and teaching. Segal's work offers insights into the scientific contributions and public impact of this study.