Twins Separated at Birth: Growing Up Continents Apart

Overview

• Article explores the lives of identical twins, Alice and Linh, separated at birth and raised in different countries.
• Focuses on genetic influences on behavior and the emotional impact of their reunion.

Key Points

• Genetic Influence:
  • Genetic factors significantly impact behavioral development.
  • Despite being raised apart, twins often show remarkable similarities.
• Emotional Reunion:
  • Twins often experience mixed emotions upon meeting; some feel strong connections, others feel subdued.

Case Study: Alice and Linh

• Background:
  • Born in Hanoi in July 1991.
  • Alice was adopted and raised in Sweden; Linh was raised in Vietnam.
  • Alice discovered Linh's existence at 16 but met her at age 20.
• Communication:
  • Maintain contact through social media platforms with help from bilingual friends.
• Cultural and Lifestyle Differences:
  • Raised in vastly different environments; Sweden vs. Vietnam.
  • Different educational backgrounds: Alice pursued higher education; Linh had limited schooling.
  • Alice became a professional singer; Linh works in a nail salon.

Similarities and Differences

• Physical Resemblances:
  • Nearly identical physical traits despite different diets and lifestyles.
  • Similar hair texture, body type, and hand shape.
• Behavioral Traits:
  • Similar body language and mannerisms noted by Alice.
  • Alice attributes her hoarse voice to shared genetics rather than behavior.

Challenges and Speculations

• Family Separation:
  • Uncertain reasons for separation; possibly due to cultural factors and family planning difficulties.
  • Both twins were ill as infants, making care challenging for their unmarried mother.
• Reunion Dynamics:
  • Emotional expressivity varies greatly among twins during reunions.
  • Alice and Linh experienced a mix of emotions and did not feel an overwhelming connection.

Conclusion

• Twins growing up apart provide valuable insights into human development and genetic influence.
• Each pair of twins offers unique perspectives and challenges.

Future Publications

• A detailed version of this study will be published in the "Twin Research and Human Genetics" journal.

About the Author

• Nancy L. Segal, Ph.D.:
  • Professor of psychology and director of the Twin Studies Center, California State University, Fullerton.