A twin-singleton comparison of problem behaviour in 2-3-year-olds.

Twin-singleton differences in problem behaviours in 2-3-year-olds were studied. Maternal ratings of children's problem behaviours were obtained with the CBCL/2-3. The twin sample consisted of 1363 twin pairs (456 MZ, 907 DZ), the sample of singletons consisted of 420 children from the general population. Results indicated that the general level of problem behaviours in twins was broadly comparable to that in singletons. Four of the seven syndromes showed lower scores for twins. These differences, however, were small and mainly caused by lower scores for DZ twins in comparison to MZ twins and singletons. Part of the difference could be attributed to the higher maternal age in the twin groups. Higher means for boys were found for the total problem score, and the Aggressive and Overactive syndromes.