Groene SG, Jansen L, Tan RNGB, Steggerda SJ, Haak MC, Roest AAW, Lopriore E, van Klink JMM. Insecure attachment and internalizing behavior problems in growth discordant identical twins.
Early Hum Dev 2022;
174:105679. [PMID:
36179588 DOI:
10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2022.105679]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Psychosocial development in monochorionic (MC) twins born after selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) has been unreported to date, despite its importance for daily functioning and future relationships.
AIMS
To investigate psychosocial development, attachment and school functioning in MC twins with sFGR and compare outcomes with the general population and between smaller and larger twins.
STUDY DESIGN
Observational cohort study.
SUBJECTS
MC twins with sFGR (defined as a birth weight discordance ≥20 %) born between 2002 and 2017 and aged 3-17 years.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Multiple parent report questionnaires: the Child Behavior Checklist (social-emotional development and behavior), the (Early) Childhood Behavior Questionnaire Very Short Form (temperament), the Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory (attachment) and a school functioning questionnaire.
RESULTS
Median age for the 48 twin pairs was 11 (interquartile range (IQR) 8-13) years. Attachment insecurity for both twins was higher than in the general population for ambivalence/resistance (34 % (21/62) vs. 16 %, p = 0.024) and total attachment insecurity (35 % (22/62) vs. 16 %, p = 0.016). Smaller twins had more internalizing behavioral problems, i.e. negative emotions and behaviors turned inwards (22 % (10/46) vs. 11 % (5/46), p = 0.021) and a higher negative affect, i.e. more likely to experience negative emotions (3.2 (2.9-3.7) vs. 2.9 (2.2-3.2), p = 0.009) than larger twins, as well as a lower secondary school level (p = 0.031).
CONCLUSION
MC twins with sFGR have more ambivalent/resistant attachment insecurity following the complicated pregnancy course. Smaller twins have a tendency towards negative emotions and internalizing behaviors compared to larger twins, indicating an increased sensitivity for depression and anxiety.
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