American Journal of Psychotherapy · 1986 · 27 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesBehavioral SciencesPsychologyDevelopmental PsychologyInterpersonal CommunicationInterpersonal RelationshipsFamily CommunicationParent-child RelationshipsRelationship CommunicationSibling RelationsSibling RelationshipsSocial BondingAdult Sibling RelationshipsCommunication In Separated FamiliesCommunication With SiblingsDizygotic TwinsSibling BondingSibling BondsSibling DyadsSibling Relationships In Adulthood
In reviewing the literature on twin separation, the authors argue that achieving a "relational shift" (the ability to separate yet retain feelings of closeness), may be problematic for this sibling group. A descriptive communication framework is presented using the concepts of relational redefinition and types of verbal and nonverbal codes. Implications are presented for twins developing third-party relationships, inseparable twins, therapy, and research.