Högskolan i Skövde

Twins do not exist apart from a family and, for a more comprehensive understanding, twinship needs to be seen in its family context. The objective of this study was to explore twinship from the perspectives of adult twins, their non-twin siblings and parents. Methods: Qualitative methodology based on semi-structured interviews of middle-aged twins, their non-twin siblings and parents within their families. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: Twinship was described by the twins as an emotionally close relationship with the co-twin but also feeling unnoticed as individuals when treated as a ‘unit’ by family members. Likewise, the older non-twin siblings could feel unnoticed, due to the parental attention given to the twins and, to compensate, take on a ‘caregiving role’ for the twins. Depending on the parents’ insights on twinship, they could facilitate or limit the development of the sibling relationships within the family.