Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
2005
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Tish Smyer
Abstract
Twins enter life as a pair and are often viewed so in later life. After the death of a co-twin, twins feel like they have lost part of themselves, leaving them alone, often without professional help. No nursing research has provided insight into the experience of a twin who has lost their co-twin. The purpose of this research was to explore and describe the lived experience of a twin who has lost their co-twin. The aim was to generate an understanding of the unique bond and sense of loss experienced by twinless twins. Phenomenology and Attachment Theory were utilized to guide this study. Colaizzi’s seven step method was used to analyze the data. This study of nine subjects identified three themes and nine sub-themes. This awareness will be beneficial for parents of twins, twins themselves and health care providers. This research contributes to existing literature on twin loss.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Twins -- Psychology
Attachment behavior
Bereavement -- Psychological aspects
Loss (Psychology)
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
96
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/
Recommended Citation
Ness, Jody, "As Two Become One : The Lived Experience of a Twinless Twin" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3687.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/3687