Blog Article
This project aims to investigate the lived experience of adolescent female twins in the UK. In doing so, the project will highlight the support twins need throughout their evolving relationships and provide greater knowledge to those working in education or healthcare settings.
Researcher
Research background
A lack of qualitative research concerning twins means little is known about the experiences of identical twin girls from their perspective. From some quantitative research studies, it would appear that identical twin girls spend more time together and have higher levels of co-dependency than identical male twins, and non-identical twins of both sexes (Fischbein, Hallencreutz and Wiklund 1990, Akerman and Suurvee 2003 and Penninkilampi-Kerola 2006). However, this co-dependency can have negative aspects with identical twin girls more likely to experience low self-esteem (Akerman and Suurvee, 2003).
To gain a more in-depth knowledge of the experiences of identical twin girls requires research in which they are the sole focus, as opposed to comparing different types of twins, or twins with singletons. To conduct this research during the adolescent period is of particular significance as adolescence is a time of greater challenges for twins. While adolescents seek independence from their parents, twins also seek independence from each other thus making adolescence both a pivotal and stressful time for twins (Ainslie, 1985; Smith, 2007; Zhou, 2015).
Twins are a growing population (Human Embryology and Fertilisation Authority, 2018) and it is important that professionals have an accurate understanding of the realities of twinship as opposed preconceived ideas of how twins should behave (Ncube, 2018). This is particularly the case for identical twin girls, as they are arguably the most stereotyped and therefore the most misunderstood category of twin.
Are you a female twin aged 15-19?
This project is still recruiting for participants aged 15-19. If you're a female twin in this age bracket and want to get involved, please click the button below to email Lara Alamad and express your interest. Participants will be asked to attend two online video calls (through MS Teams) to talk about their experiences. Your participation will help increase understanding about the needs of identical twin girls. All participants will be kept anonymous.
Research aims
The aim of this narrative study is to explore the experiences of adolescent identical female twins in the United Kingdom. To achieve this, the following research questions were generated:
1. What are the experiences of identical female twins in the United Kingdom?
2. What is the role of twinness in the life course of twins?
3. What is the evolving nature of twinship over their life course?
In terms of impact, adding to this body of knowledge about identical twin girls could therefore benefit twins in educational, healthcare settings and elsewhere. In addition, this research could be of benefit to twins and their families, as it could provide some guidance as to what support identical twin girls may require in these settings (Hay and Preedy, 2006).
Research methods
The main data collection tool are narrative interviews conducted via MS Teams. Additional participatory data collection methods are also planned.
Projected outcomes
It is hoped the this research will provide a better understanding of the experiences of adolescent identical female twins and that the results of this research will be used to create a better knowledge base about the needs of identical twin girls.