ИСТИНА

The aim of the study was to analyze the psychological specifics of twining. The sample consisted of 210 Monozygotic same-sex twins and 401 singleton aged 18-78 years. Respondents filled out a number of psychological questionnaires to assess various personality traits. A structured interview was also conducted with members of the twin pairs. When asked about is it better to be a twin or singleton, 81% of twins said that "having a sister or brother of the same age is very cool." The main arguments are: 1) there is always someone to rely on: “all adversities and difficulties are divided in half, and this greatly simplifies many difficult situations”; 2) there is a close person nearby: “there is no loneliness, your friend is always with you”; 3) "... the two are more fun." An additional argument is: “everyone pays attention”; "Looks unusual." 7% of respondents would prefer to be singletons: “Better to be singleton - parents can give more attention, opportunities, including economical ones (for example, paid education, additional courses, trips to the sea, etc.)”; "We quarreled during all childhood." 12% of twins cannot decide is it better of being a singleton or a twin: “It's a difficult question. It is easier for a singleton to be an individual and a personality, but twins are more fun together (at least in childhood); “I don’t know how to be alone”. Comparison of twins with singletons by psychological characteristics indicates that there are a number of personality traits by which there are systematic differences between these groups (p <0.001). Twins are more emotional (3.48 vs 3.14) than singletons. They have significantly lower indicators of the Dark Triad (machiavellianism (3.18 vs 3.36) and psychopathy (2.22 vs 1.83)) and higher hardiness (3.59 vs 3.17) that appears in all three components - greater involvement (a sense of inclusion into what is happening), a greater sense of control over life and a greater acceptance of risk. Twins have a more positive image of I, including both a higher self-esteem (3.91 vs 3.45) and a rating of luck (3.73 vs 3.49). However, overall satisfaction with life does not differ in the subgroups of twins and singletons. It can be assumed that the support from the co-twin leads to greater self-confidence and ability to cope with problems, and close relationships in the dyad reduce selfishness and the desire to manipulate people. It should be noted that for most psychological traits, twins and singletons have no differences.