Notes on Lecture by Howard Burak

Awareness of Twinhood

• Some twins know they are twins, some do not.
• Uncertainty about how many are aware vs. unaware.

Personal Background of Howard Burak

• Born in New York City, later learned he was adopted.
• Raised by loving adoptive parents in Westbury, Long Island, and Brookline, Massachusetts.
• Adopted children often feel special, as they were chosen.

Nature vs. Nurture Study

• In the 1960s, scientists studied nature vs. nurture by separating twins through an adoption agency.
• Parents were not informed of the twin relationship.
• The Buraks adopted a child (Douglas) while unknowingly being part of a twin separation study.

Discovery of Twin Brother

• Howard received a call from the Louise Wise Agency informing him about his identical twin brother.
• His brother had been searching for him for years.
• This revelation was shocking and overwhelming.

Experiences During Childhood

• Douglas exhibited signs of anger and frustration, feeling something was missing in his life.
• The Louise Wise Agency was involved in managing adoptions and child rearing for unwed mothers, particularly Jewish ones.

Controversy Around Twin Separation Study

• Dr. Viola Bernard believed twins were better off in separate homes, a notion that lacked scientific support.
• The study included unethical practices, as families were misinformed about the purpose of the study.
• Lack of transparency and ethical considerations raised issues.

Interviews and Perspectives

• Interview with Dr. Neubauer, who was involved in the study, revealed its chaotic nature.
• Participants felt manipulated and misled by the researchers.

Reunion of Twins and Emotional Impact

• Many twins felt an innate connection when they finally met, describing it as feeling complete.
• The emotional toll of separation was profound, leading to feelings of loss and longing throughout their lives.

Ethical Considerations

• The ethical implications of separating twins for research were questioned.
• The psychological impact on the twins and families involved was significant and tragic.

Reflections on the Study's Impact

• The study was criticized for doing more harm than good, having no beneficial outcomes.
• Participants felt their lives were treated as a study without their consent or knowledge.

Conclusion

• The lecture highlighted the complex nature of twin relationships, adoption, and the ethical responsibilities of researchers in psychological studies.
• The story reflects deep emotional scars left by misguided scientific pursuits.