The authors investigated closeness and other variables measuring
depression in 22 identical and 13 fraternal twin pairs. Each twin rated
him/herself on a two-part questionnaire; part 1 included questions on
demographic characteristics and the twin relationship, and part 2, the Zung
Self-Rating Depression Scale, measured depressive symptoms. There was a
high degree of agreement across all variables for the total sample, and
degrees of depression were comparable to that in the general population.
Closeness was found to be inversely correlated with depression. The authors
suggest that future studies include other groups (siblings, spouses, etc.)
and follow-up data.Abstract Teaser