The growth, development and education of Finnish twins: a longitudinal follow-up study in a birth cohort from pregnancy to nineteen years of age | JoVE Visualize

The growth, development and education of Finnish twins: a longitudinal follow-up study in a birth cohort from pregnancy to nineteen years of age

I Moilanen¹, P Rantakallio

¹Department of Pediatrics, University of Oulu, Finland.

Growth, Development, and Aging : GDA|January 1, 1989

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Twin development and vocational choices were compared to singletons. While twins faced early health challenges, their long-term educational and vocational outcomes were comparable when controlling for perinatal factors, suggesting no inherent disadvantage to being a twin.

Area of Science:

Pediatrics
Developmental Psychology
Human Genetics

Background:

Multiple births, particularly twins, often present unique developmental and health considerations compared to singletons.
Understanding long-term outcomes for twins is crucial for targeted support and interventions.
Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding developmental trajectories and educational attainment in twins.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the growth, development, and vocational choices of twins with matched singleton controls.
To identify factors influencing developmental and educational outcomes in twins.
To determine if twinship itself poses a disadvantage to long-term achievements.

Main Methods:

A longitudinal study followed 289 twins and 11,623 singletons from birth to 19 years.
Controls were matched by maternal factors and/or perinatal morbidity.
Data collected included developmental milestones, educational attainment, and vocational choices.

Main Results:

Twins experienced higher rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and perinatal complications.
Developmental delays in walking and language were observed but diminished when controlling for perinatal factors.
No significant differences in academic performance during compulsory schooling were found between twins and controls.
Twins applied for further education less frequently than controls matched only by maternal factors, but not when perinatal factors were also matched.
Vocation similarity was higher in same-sex twins and opposite-sex twins compared to control pairs.

Conclusions:

While twins face more perinatal challenges, their developmental and educational outcomes are comparable to singletons when adjusted for these factors.
Perinatal and environmental factors significantly impact educational achievements more than twinship itself.
Twinship does not appear to confer a disadvantage in long-term educational and vocational success.