Authors
Alexandra Vázquez, Ángel Gómez, Juan R Ordoñana, William B Swann, Harvey Whitehouse
Publication date
2017/11/2
Journal
Self and Identity
Volume
16
Issue
6
Pages
684-702
Publisher
Routledge
Description
Researchers have shown that the more genes twins share, the more they care about one another. Here, we examine a psychological mediator of such genetic influences, “identity fusion” (a visceral sense of oneness with them). Results supported this hypothesis. Relative to dizygotic twins, monozygotic twins reported stronger fusion and elevated desire to have contact and share experiences with their twin (Study 1), to forgive and grant favors to their twin after being disappointed by him/her (Study 2), and willingness to make sacrifices for their twin (Study 3). Fusion with the twin mediated the impact of zygosity on these outcomes. These findings demonstrate that genetic relatedness fosters a powerful feeling of union with one’s twin that predicts sharing, tolerance, and self-sacrificial behavior toward him or her.
Total citations
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Scholar articles
A Vázquez, Á Gómez, JR Ordoñana, WB Swann… - Self and Identity, 2017