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A twin-singleton comparison of problem behaviour in 2-3-year-olds
E J van den Oord1, H M Koot, D I Boomsma
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Summary
Problem behaviors in young twins and singletons are comparable, with twins showing slightly lower scores in some areas. Differences were minor, influenced by maternal age and twin type (dizygotic vs. monozygotic).
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Understanding developmental differences between twins and singletons is crucial for early intervention.
- Problem behaviors in early childhood can predict later psychological difficulties.
- Existing research has not fully elucidated behavioral differences in toddlerhood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare problem behaviors in 2-3-year-old twins and singletons.
- To investigate specific behavioral syndromes where differences may exist.
- To explore potential contributing factors like maternal age and zygosity.
Main Methods:
- Maternal ratings of child behavior using the Child Behavior Checklist for 2-3-year-olds (CBCL/2-3).
- Comparison of a large twin sample (1363 pairs: 456 MZ, 907 DZ) with a general population singleton sample (420 children).
Main Results:
- Overall problem behavior levels were comparable between twins and singletons.
- Twins scored lower on four of seven behavioral syndromes compared to singletons.
- These minor differences were primarily driven by lower scores in dizygotic (DZ) twins compared to monozygotic (MZ) twins and singletons.
- Higher maternal age in twin groups partially explained observed differences.
- Boys exhibited higher scores for total problems, aggression, and overactivity.
Conclusions:
- Early childhood problem behaviors are largely similar between twins and singletons.
- Subtle differences exist, particularly in DZ twins, warranting further investigation.
- Maternal age and zygosity are factors to consider when analyzing twin behavioral data.