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Published on: September 17, 2019
Twin specific risk factors in primary school achievements
Eveline L de Zeeuw1, Catherina E M van Beijsterveldt, Eco J C de Geus
1Department of Biological Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam. el.de.zeeuw@vu.nl
Summary
Twin-specific prenatal factors like low gestational age and birth weight significantly impact primary school educational achievement. Birth order influences differences between twins and their nontwin siblings.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Twin Studies
Background:
- Prenatal factors can influence child development and educational outcomes.
- Twins often exhibit different developmental trajectories compared to singletons.
- Understanding risk factors for twins is crucial for targeted educational support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate twin-specific risk factors affecting primary school educational achievement.
- To compare educational outcomes between twins and their nontwin siblings within families.
- To identify key prenatal and perinatal predictors of academic success in twins.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from approximately 10,000 twins and their siblings from the Netherlands Twin Register.
- Collected teacher ratings on subject proficiency (arithmetic, language, reading, physical education) and national test scores (CITO).
- Employed structural equation modeling to analyze the influence of various factors on educational achievement.
Main Results:
- Gestational age, birth weight, and sex were significant predictors of educational achievement, independent of socioeconomic status.
- Mode of conception, incubator time, and birth complications negatively impacted physical education achievement.
- Twins showed lower achievement in arithmetic, reading, and language compared to older siblings, but not younger siblings.
Conclusions:
- Low gestational age and low birth weight are critical risk factors for reduced educational achievement in primary school twins.
- Differences in educational achievement between twins and siblings are largely attributable to birth order.
- Targeted interventions focusing on prenatal and perinatal health may improve twin educational outcomes.
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