Twin Mythconceptions ─ False Beliefs, Fables, and Facts About Twins

Twin Mythconceptions: False Beliefs, Fables, and Facts about Twins sheds new light on over seventy commonly held ideas and beliefs about the origins and development of identical and fraternal twins. Using the latest scientific findings from psychology, psychiatry, biology, and education, the book separates fact from fiction. Each idea about twins is described, followed by both a short answer about the truth, and then a longer, more detailed explanation. Coverage includes embryology of twins, twin types, intellectual growth, personality traits, sexual orientation of twins, marital relationships, epigenetic analyses, and more. Five appendices cover selected topics in greater depth, such as the frequency of different twin types and the varieties of polar body twin pairs. This book will inform and entertain behavioral and life science researchers, health professionals, twins, parents of twins, and anyone interested in the fascinating topic of twins.

• Identifies common misunderstandings about twins
• Provides scientific answers to questions about twins
• Encompasses the biology, psychology, genetics, and personality of twins
• Includes discussion of identical, fraternal same sex, and fraternal opposite sex twins
• Allows for quick answers to common questions and more detailed explanations

• Foreword by Dr Michael Shermer

• Identifies and clarifies misconceptions about twins
• Encompasses embryology, biology, psychology, medicine, pregnancy, delivery, parenting, and education
• Explores twin biology and behavior from womb through adulthood
• Includes photographs, illustrations, cartoons, and riddles adding definition, clarity, and humor to concepts covered
• Excerpts comments by other twin researchers to refine and extend coverage
• Contains a glossary of scientific terms and definitions relating to twins