Twinship and Marriage – Experiences during the Course of Twin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore and describe older twins' experiences of their marriages in relation to the co-twin relationship. Material and Methods:The material consisted of 34 life story interviews with older twins (70+), representing various experiences of twinship and marriage. The data was analysed with qualitative latent content analysis.Results: Phases of marriage describe the time of Courtship -partners were chosen based on infatuation. Most were non-related, but some were relatives or friends. Twinship and quality of married life showed that marriages were either disharmonious or harmonious. The most common cause of conflicts was spouses not getting along, second common cause to conflicts was the twin relationship itself. In the harmonious marriages, the spouses were sympathetic and accepting of the twin relationship. In later life 14 of 34 were widowed and 7 of 34 had gone through a divorce. The most common cause of divorce was an unfaithful spouse, rather than the close relationship with the co-twin. In difficult times the twin relationship served as a source of comfort and support. Conclusions:The most harmonious marriages were with spouses related to one another. In this way the twins could keep both the twin relationship and have a marriage. Since twins often regard each other as attachment figures, the combination of twinship and marriage seem to be a challenge for the spouse to be most of all.

Attachment to the Romantic Partner and Sibling: Attachment Hierarchies of Twins and Non-Twin Siblings

“…This finding has several important implications for research on close relationships. For example, the strong relationship between twins --especially MZ twins --might cause conflicts in close relationships, especially when the romantic partner expects to be the first in the attachment hierarchy (Pietilä, Bülow, & Björklund, 2012). Petersen, Martinussen, McGue, Bingley, and Christensen (2011) found that twins are less likely to marry and have lower divorce rates than non-twin siblings.…”

Further Evidence that Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were Twins

“…102 More importantly, many twins view their connection with their twin, which can be 'as close, bonded, and nurturing as many romantic relationships', 103 to be equal to their marital relationship. 104 Consequently, if Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep were twins, their connection with one another will likely have overshadowed their associations with their wives and children, as their decorative programme appears to confirm.…”