Twins and other multiples

Being a multiple birth child is a unique social circumstance that places siblings together from the time of their conception. During their early years, multiple birth siblings spend considerably more of their time together than close‐spaced single‐born children, a situation that presents opportunities for learning and companionship but also greater potential for comparison, competition, and conflict. A key focus for research has been questioning the developmental effects of growing up in these unique circumstances: Does being a multiple birth child present risks for development? Are there developmental strengths associated with being a multiple birth child? What are the variations in the multiple birth children's relationship and how might these affect relationships with others? What are the implications of being a multiple birth child for social experiences beyond the family? Does being a multiple birth child affect social inclusion and quality of peer relationships? This entry addresses these key questions