The Controversial Twin Separation Study: Ethical Concerns and Long-Term Impacts

In the 1960s, a controversial study was conducted that involved separating identical twins and triplets at birth and placing them with different adoptive families. This study, which aimed to examine the effects of nature versus nurture, has since raised serious ethical concerns and had profound impacts on the lives of those involved. Let's take a closer look at this study, its methodology, and its long-lasting consequences.

Background of the Twin Separation Study

The study was conducted through the Louise Wise Services adoption agency in New York City. It was overseen by Dr. Peter Neubauer, a prominent child psychiatrist, in collaboration with Dr. Viola Bernard. The stated goal was to examine how identical twins raised in different environments would develop, in an attempt to shed light on the nature versus nurture debate.

However, the study was conducted without the knowledge or consent of the adoptive parents or the twins themselves. Families were simply told they were participating in a "child development study" and were not informed that their adopted child had an identical twin or triplet.

Methodology and Scope

The exact number of twins and triplets involved in the study is unclear, as much of the data remains sealed. However, it's estimated that at least 5-10 sets of twins or triplets were separated as part of this research.

The separated siblings were placed with families of similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Researchers then conducted regular home visits and assessments of the children as they grew up, under the guise of routine adoption follow-ups.

Some key aspects of the methodology included:

• Placing twins with families of similar backgrounds (e.g. both sets of parents being business executives)
• Regular home visits and assessments of the children
• Filming interactions between the twins/triplets when they were brought together as infants, before being separated
• Psychological testing and analysis of the children as they grew up

Ethical Concerns

This study has been widely criticized for its significant ethical violations. Some of the main concerns include:

Lack of Informed Consent

Neither the adoptive parents nor the twins themselves were informed about the true nature of the study. This is a fundamental violation of research ethics, which require informed consent from participants.

Separation of Siblings

The deliberate separation of twins and triplets, who had already bonded in utero and in their first months of life, raises serious ethical questions. Many experts argue this separation likely caused trauma and had negative psychological impacts.

Withholding of Information

Even after the study concluded, information was withheld from the twins and their families. Many only discovered they had an identical sibling by chance as adults.

Lack of Oversight

The study appears to have had little formal oversight or ethical review, which would be required for any such research today.

Long-Term Impacts on Participants

The separation and subsequent study had profound and often negative impacts on many of the twins and triplets involved:

Psychological Effects

Many of the separated twins reported feeling that something was "missing" throughout their lives, even before they knew about their twin. Some experienced depression, anger issues, or other mental health challenges.

For example, one participant named Doug shared: "I really felt like I was missing something in my life. I didn't know what it was, I couldn't touch it, I couldn't feel it."

Identity Issues

Discovering as an adult that you have an identical twin or triplet can be extremely disorienting and lead to a reevaluation of one's entire sense of identity.

Trauma and Loss

Many participants expressed feelings of anger and loss upon learning about their separated twin. The realization that they had been deprived of this relationship for their entire lives was often traumatic.

Suicide

Tragically, at least one participant in the study, Eddie Galland, died by suicide. His widow believes the trauma of the separation and later discovery of his brothers played a role in his mental health struggles.

Case Studies

Let's look at a few specific cases that highlight the impacts of this study:

The Triplets: Robert, Eddy, and David

Perhaps the most well-known case is that of Robert Shafran, Eddy Galland, and David Kellman. These identical triplets were separated at birth and reunited by chance when two of them attended the same college.

Their story gained significant media attention, and they initially seemed to revel in their newfound relationship, noting striking similarities in their mannerisms, preferences, and life experiences. However, the long-term impacts were complex:

• Eddy struggled with mental health issues and ultimately died by suicide in 1995.
• The remaining brothers have spoken out strongly against the study and its impacts on their lives.
• They've described feelings of anger and loss over the years they were deprived of knowing each other.

Howard Burack and Doug Rausch

Howard and Doug were separated as infants and only discovered each other's existence in their 40s. Their story highlights several key aspects of the study's impact:

• Both men reported feeling that something was "missing" throughout their lives.
• They discovered striking similarities in their personalities and habits upon meeting.
• The revelation of their twinship led them to question many aspects of their identities and upbringing.

The Deceased Twin

In one particularly tragic case, a woman discovered she had an identical twin only after her sister had passed away. This case underscores the lifelong impact of the separation - this woman was deprived of ever meeting or knowing her twin sister.

Attempts to Access Study Data

Despite the study ending decades ago, much of the data and documentation remains sealed. This has been a source of frustration and further trauma for many of the twins involved:

• Records are held by Yale University and have been sealed until 2065.
• Participants have repeatedly requested access to their own records but have been denied.
• This lack of access has prevented many twins from fully understanding their early histories and the extent of their involvement in the study.

Scientific Validity and Results

Despite the significant ethical issues, it's worth examining what, if anything, was learned from this study:

Lack of Published Results

One of the most striking aspects of this study is that its results were never formally published. This raises questions about the scientific validity and purpose of the research.

Criticisms of Methodology

Experts have criticized the study's methodology, noting that it was poorly organized and lacked clear research protocols. One former research assistant described it as "chaos."

Nature vs. Nurture Insights

While the study aimed to provide insights into the nature versus nurture debate, its flawed methodology and lack of published results mean it contributed little to scientific understanding in this area.

Broader Implications for Twin Studies

This controversial study raises important questions about the ethics and validity of twin studies in general:

Historical Context

Twin studies have a complex history, sometimes being used to justify problematic ideologies like racism or eugenics. This highlights the need for careful ethical consideration in such research.

Value of Twin Studies

Despite the ethical issues in this case, many researchers argue that properly conducted twin studies can provide valuable insights into human development and genetics.

Ethical Guidelines

This case has contributed to the development of stricter ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects, particularly vulnerable populations like children.

Responses from Researchers

The responses from those involved in conducting the study have been mixed:

Dr. Peter Neubauer

Dr. Neubauer, the lead researcher, never fully acknowledged the ethical issues with the study. In interviews before his death, he defended the research while refusing to discuss specifics.

Dr. Viola Bernard

Dr. Bernard, who was involved in the adoption process, claimed that the separations were done in the twins' best interests, based on prevailing theories at the time. However, many have questioned this justification.

Research Assistants

Some former research assistants have expressed regret over their involvement and have been more forthcoming with information about the study's conduct.

Legal and Ethical Aftermath

The revelation of this study has had several legal and ethical repercussions:

Lawsuits

Some of the twins have pursued legal action against the adoption agency and researchers involved, though these efforts have been largely unsuccessful due to statutes of limitations.

Changes in Adoption Practices

This case has contributed to changes in adoption practices, with most agencies now having policies against separating twins or other siblings.

Ethical Debates

The study continues to be cited in discussions of research ethics, serving as a cautionary tale about the potential for harm in human subjects research.

Conclusion

The twin separation study conducted in the 1960s remains a stark example of unethical research practices and their long-term consequences. While it aimed to provide insights into the nature versus nurture debate, its methodological flaws and ethical violations have overshadowed any potential scientific value.

The study's most significant impact has been on the lives of the twins and their families, many of whom continue to grapple with the effects of their separation and the circumstances of their adoption. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical considerations in scientific research, particularly when it involves vulnerable populations.

As we continue to explore questions of human development and genetics, the lessons from this controversial study underscore the need for transparency, informed consent, and rigorous ethical oversight in all areas of scientific inquiry. The pain and trauma experienced by the separated twins stand as a testament to the real-world consequences of prioritizing research aims over human welfare.

Ultimately, the twin separation study serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge must always be balanced with respect for human dignity and ethical principles. As we move forward, it's crucial that we learn from these past mistakes to ensure that future research is conducted with the utmost regard for the well-being of its participants.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmK6MyrqMgc