Older twins' experiences of the relationship with their co-twin over the life-course

Based on 35 life stories of aging twins, this study focuses on personal experiences and recollections of their relationships with the co-twin over the life-course. The participants are part of two longitudinal Swedish twin studies on aging, SATSA and Gender. In the narrative analysis, three relationship patterns, labeled ‘nurturing’, ‘draining’, and ‘superficial’, emerged, pointing to qualitative aspects in the co-twin relationship. The dominating aspect was emotional closeness, which differed in the three relationship patterns. In the nurturing twin relationship pattern, emotional closeness was experienced as intimacy and yet independence, while in the draining relationship pattern it was experienced as dependence. The superficial twin relationship was experienced as distant and lacking in emotional involvement. Most of the relationship patterns seemed to remain the same throughout life. However, seen from a life course perspective, this study pointed to complexity and diversity in lifelong twin relationships.

► Focusing on the experiences of the relationship with a co-twin.
► Three twin relationship patterns emerged, including various degrees of emotional closeness.
► Pointing to complexity and diversity in twin relationships.
► The relationship patterns remained the same throughout life.