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Identical Twins Raised Apart in Different Countries Have Huge IQ Difference 

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source 4. TECH & SCIENCEIdentical Twins Raised Apart in Different Countries Have Huge IQ Difference

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source 4. TECH & SCIENCEIdentical Twins Raised Apart in Different Countries Have Huge IQ Difference

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https://www.newsweek.com/identical-twins-raised-apart-different-countries-huge-iq-difference-1704836

This article talks about a very interesting case of 2 identical twins who turn out to be very psychologically different despite their identical DNA. Their only difference to blame is the environment in which they were respectively raised in.

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Scientists have found that two identical twins raised in different countries have a huge IQ difference.

A report published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, assessed the differences between one twin raised in the United States and the other in South Korea.

While the report said that " twins reared apart are rare," this particular pair-born in South Korea-was separated at age two in 1976, after one became lost in a supermarket. Despite the family's efforts to find the lost twin, she ended up in foster care and eventually came to live with an adoptive family in the United States.

Eventually, the adopted sister was reunited with her twin in 2018. The two underwent scientific comparisons for their intelligence as well as their personalities and medical histories.

Researchers found that the twins had "substantial differences" in their IQ.

Tests revealed that the adopted twin had an IQ 16 points lower than her long-lost sister. This contradicts existing research that says identical twins usually have no more than 7 points difference in their IQ.

While researchers are not certain what caused the drastic IQ difference, the study noted that the adopted twin had a more disruptive upbringing than the sister, who had been raised within her biological family.

The twin living in South Korea described a more loving family environment than her sister, who suffered disruption in her home life, including her adoptive parents divorcing.

However, despite the difference in IQ between the pair, their personality scores were almost identical.

The study said that similarities between the twins were "evident" in "personality, self-esteem, mental health, job satisfaction and medical life history." While their IQ difference was notable, their similarities in personalities were less surprising, and in line with existing research on twin genetics.

The study said it was particularly notable that the twins were both very conscientious, meaning they were well-organized and striving for success. This, in particular, indicates the role that genetics is thought to have in crafting a person's personality, as the adoptive twin showed these traits despite her difficult upbringing.

The study said that the findings enhance understanding of the influences of "genetic, cultural, and environmental influences on human development."

One of the authors of the report is Nancy Segal, a professor and director of the Twin Studies Center at California State University in Fullerton.

"The findings show, that despite cultural differences, some traits remain remarkably similar in identical twins, demonstrating genetic effects, " she told Newsweek. "Most striking to me-both were short and did not reveal their height to people!"

Segal also said that the study sheds new light on the nature vs nurture debate.

"The study shows in a dramatic way (identical twins raised indifferent cultures) that genetics influences many traits, but all traits are a complex mix of genetics and environments," she said. "Also, not all traits are equally affected by genes and environments-so it is impossible to say if nature or nurture is more important-it is specific to specific traits. Also, genes do significantly affect mental ability, but in individual cases like these twins, the effects may be less salient."
This article has been updated to include quotes from Nancy Segal.

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Identical Twins Raised Apart in Different Countries Have Huge IQ Difference

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Scientists have found that two identical twins raised in different countries have a huge IQ difference. A report published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences , assessed the differences between one twin raised in the United States and the other in South Korea.

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A persons characteristics

in life are determined

by their upbringing and

general life experience

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source 1. Nurture is more important that nature because our traits are learned

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source 1. Nurture is more important that nature because our traits are learned

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My first source is from Parlia.com. I find this to be reliable because the website provides a lot of information that verifiable, like real research results, and also offers articles with opposing views.
"....the children who observed women being aggressive were more likely to assault the doll verbally.  Furthermore, male children were more likely to imitate male models, where female children did not show a strong preference for female models.
These children were shown how to be aggressive toward a blowup clown doll and imitated the aggression they were shown.
This goes to show that aggression is a learned trait, and displays the importance of Nurture over Nature."
Laquinta, Sal. “Nurture Is More Important than Nature Because Our Traits Are Learned.” Encyclopedia of Opinion, https://www.parlia.com/a/traits-learned.

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source 2. Nurture has a great urge effect than nature

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source 2. Nurture has a great urge effect than nature

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My second source is from Phys.org.
this claim is reliable because it provides citations and references, and is relatively unbiased in places where its inappropriate: they only use verified facts as evidence for their claim and don't unfairly try to disprove opposing claims.
". This suggests that the maternal environment influences whether or not genomic imprinting occurs in young, which in turn affected the body weight of the mice."
X, Science. “Nurture Has Greater Effect than Nature, Says Study.” Phys.org, Phys.org, 28 May 2009, https://phys.org/news/2009-05-nurture-greater-effect-nature.html.

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This source dives into the concept of generational trauma. A larger "big picture" approach to the idea of one's upbringing effecting the actual psychology of their brain, and how this can effect an entire bloodline with learned behaviors and generational post traumatic stress.

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Many things get passed down through families, like heirlooms, genetic conditions, and physical characteristics. In some cases, trauma can be inherited, too. Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma) is a field of study that researchers have a lot to discover regarding its impact and how it presents in people who experience it.

This is due in part to an emerging field of study known as epigenetics. A study published in 2018 in the journal World Psychiatry defined epigenetics as "a set of potentially heritable changes in the genome that can be induced by environmental events."

Per the study, it is theorized that generational trauma can be induced through in-utero exposure (for example, a fetus being exposed to chemicals involved in maternal stress, such as cortisol, that impact future development) or through epigenetic changes. These are the changes to an individual's DNA as a result of a traumatic experience that can theoretically be passed down through generations.

However, while there is much to learn about epigenetics and inheritance patterns related to trauma, here's what we know, according to experts.

Defining Generational Trauma

Generational trauma is trauma that isn't just experienced by one person-it extends from one generation to the next. "It can be silent, covert, and undefined, surfacing through nuances and inadvertently taught or implied throughout someone's life from an early age onward," licensed clinical psychologist and parenting evaluator Melanie English, PhD, said to Health.

Per the American Psychological Association, in 1966, Canadian psychiatrist Vivian M. Rakoff, MD, and Dr. Rakoff's colleagues recorded high rates of psychological distress among children of individuals who survived the Holocaust-and the concept of generational trauma was first recognized. This population has been the most widely studied group. However, in theory, any type of extreme, prolonged stress could have adverse psychological effects on children and grandchildren, resulting in clinical anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"Trauma affects genetic processes, leading to traumatic reactivity being heightened in populations who experience a great deal of trauma," said child and adolescent psychiatrist and author Gayani DeSilva, MD.

Who Is Vulnerable To Intergenerational Trauma?

Everyone is susceptible to generational trauma, but there are specific populations that are vulnerable due to their histories.

"Being systematically exploited, enduring repeated and continual abuse, racism, and poverty are all traumatic enough to cause genetic changes," Dr. DeSilva said. "So African Americans in the United States and around the world are particularly vulnerable. And the families affected by catastrophes such as the 2004 tsunami in Asia will have traumatic reactivity for generations to come."

People in countries that have endured years, even decades, of war may also have generational trauma, Dr. DeSilva said. Furthermore, domestic violence, sexual assault or sexual abuse, and hate crimes are other acts that can result in generational trauma.

How Generational Trauma Presents

The symptoms of generational trauma may include hypervigilance, a sense of a shortened future, mistrust, aloofness, high anxiety, depression, panic attacks, nightmares, insomnia, a sensitive fight or flight response, and issues with self-esteem and self-confidence, Dr. DeSilva said.

Experts are learning more about how trauma affects the immune system. "It may lead to a dysfunctional immune system-one that's either too active or not active enough," Dr. DeSilva said. "This can result in more autoimmune diseases or a greater propensity for illness."

Trauma also influences the microglia, the brain's immune system. "When in a high trauma reactive state, the microglia eat away at nerve endings instead of enhancing growth and getting rid of damage," Dr. DeSilva said. "The microglia go haywire in the brain and cause depression, anxiety, and dementia. This can translate into genetic changes, which can be passed down to further generations."

There is no specific diagnosis of generational trauma, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is the standard classification of mental disorders used by mental health professionals. But the phenomenon of intergenerational trauma is well accepted.

"We know trauma can manifest itself through stress, anxiety, fight or flight, and other heightened alert systems in our brain and bodies, but intergenerational trauma can also mask itself through learned beliefs, behaviors, and patterns that become engrained," English said. "This kind of wiring impacts personalities, relationships, parenting, communication, and views of the world."

Dr. DeSilva said they often saw the results of trauma in families where the trauma is repeated. "For instance, incest is often a traumatic experience which is repeated generation after generation," Dr. DeSilva said. "It becomes a horrid experience that is somehow accepted by the family because the family becomes desensitized and feels hopeless and powerless about the recurrence, and thus inadvertently enables the trauma to continue."

There are no easy answers, but generational trauma can be resolved if a holistic, intense intervention is put in place. This often involves individual therapy, though group/family therapy is another option. In some cases, treatment for generational trauma may be focused on "traditional healing methods and ceremonial practices of communities" to foster a group's cultural identity, as noted by the Administration for Children & Families, a division of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Another aspect that can be helpful is education about generational trauma. A study published in June 2022 in the Journal of Loss and Trauma investigated the effectiveness of a generational trauma card (GTC), which included illustrations explaining how trauma could transfer from one generation to the next and how trauma could affect a person's health.

The participants, who were adolescent mothers between the ages of 13 and 22, reported a high level of wanting to learn about generational trauma and that they would likely share what they learned with others. The participants also noted that, with the information from the GTC, they would engage in activities such as dedicating time to process any trauma and utilizing the assistance of a mental health professional or support group to break the cycle of trauma.

"Knowing you aren't alone or helpless and knowing that there may have been factors outside of your control might help process the trauma," Dr. English said. "When we process things and understand them, we can then often find coping mechanisms. When we find coping mechanisms, we can heal, and redefine ourselves. and reclaim a part of our life."

If the trauma or abuse is ongoing, it's crucial to stop the cycle, which may require a huge amount of encouragement and support. "Support groups, financial support, housing support, health care, education, nutritional support, community resources, spiritual connections, and individual therapy will all need to be addressed for successful cessation of generational trauma," Dr. DeSilva said.

Thanks for your feedback!

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Generational Trauma Might Explain Your Anxiety and Depression-Here's What It Means

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Many things get passed down through families, like heirlooms, genetic conditions, and physical characteristics. In some cases, trauma can be inherited, too. Generational trauma (also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma) is a field of study that researchers have a lot to discover regarding its impact and how it presents in people who experience it.

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source 3. Signs of Childhood Trauma in Adults

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source 3. Signs of Childhood Trauma in Adults

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https://www.verywellmind.com/signs-of-childhood-trauma-in-adults-5207979

This source gives information on how the upbringing of a child can effect their development- and ultimately the way they behave as adults.

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If you experienced trauma as a child, it's likely that you are or have experienced some amount of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life.

This article explains what trauma is, what childhood abuse may look like, and how childhood trauma impacts adulthood.

What Is Childhood Trauma?

Trauma in childhood not only constitutes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse but exposure to traumatic events as well. These traumatic events could be when children witness natural disasters, or even when they witness violence within their communities.

What Determines a Child's Reaction to Traumatic Events?

Factors that determine a child's reaction to trauma include:

Developmental level: This could mean where the child is age-wise or mentally.

Ethnicity or cultural factors: This can impact what the child views as a normal response to trauma based on what they have seen from people in their communities or families.

Previous exposure to trauma: If a child is more accustomed to traumatic events, it could mean that they adapt by learning to control their reactions.

Available resources: Refers to how socioeconomically connected their family is, as well as their access to their needs on a regular basis.

Preexisting child and family problems: This could dictate how supportive your parents are when you tell them that something traumatic happened, or it could mean that some form of abusive trauma is occurring in your immediate family.

Signs of PTSD in Children

After exposure to any traumatic event, kids tend to express some form of behavioral change. These behaviors are still regularly reported by mental health professionals in their daily practices with adults. These behavioral changes could include:

Sudden new fears: These fears may or may not be related to the traumatic event.

Separation anxiety: Occurs when a child becomes overwhelmed with anxiety if their parents are not around.

Sleep disturbances: This could mean that they start having nightmares or lose the ability to fall asleep quickly.

Sadness: If you notice that you or a loved one is feeling down much more often, it may be a sign that they're coping with a traumatic event.

Losing interest in normal activities: A child may lose interest in things they once enjoyed.

Inability to concentrate: This could be long or short-term and impact things like school, work, or normal activities.

Anger: Unexplained anger, or irritability that doesn't match up to the level of the event, can be a sign of a traumatic event.

Somatic complaints: These can include stomachaches, headaches, or any other physical pains that seem to have no root cause.

It's important to note that many of these symptoms go away with time, however, the risk of PTSD does increase if the child is repeatedly exposed to trauma or has a history of anxiety issues.

While kids may heal, between 3% and 15% of girls and 1% to 6%of boys will develop PTSD.In general, if any of the symptoms listed above appear for longer periods of time, it may be time to consider seeking a therapist that focuses on the treatment of PTSD.

In addition to those symptoms, children who are experiencing PTSD may also exhibit hypervigilance in an effort to look for warning signs to prevent future traumas.

Children suffering from PTSD may also re-experience the trauma or avoid things that may remind them or cause them to remember the trauma.

Press Play for Advice On Healing Childhood Wounds

Hosted by Editor-in-Chief and therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, featuring award-winning actress Chrissy Metz, shares how to heal childhood trauma, safeguard your mental health, and how to get comfortable when faced with difficult emotions. Click below to listen now.

Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts

Signs of Childhood Trauma in Adults

The effects of childhood trauma can last well into adulthood. Trauma can impact future relationships and lead to other issues like depression and low self-esteem.

Childhood Abuse May Impact Adult Relationships

Experiencing trauma in childhood can impact the way that you form attachments in romantic relationships.

One study asked 911 students (492 female and 419 male) about their experiences with trauma as children.

The students that were surveyed that experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse were more likely to exhibit attachment styles that were fearful, preoccupied, and dismissive. It also found that students that did not experience childhood trauma were much more likely to have secure attachment styles into adulthood.

Here's a look at the four attachment styles:

1. Secure: People with secure attachment styles have healthy relationships and good levels of self-esteem.

2. Ambivalent: These attachment styles are reluctant to get too close to people and always worry that their partners are going to leave them.

3. Avoidant: Avoidant attachment styles have problems with intimacy and never let anyone too close for fear of abandonment.

4. Disorganized: These attachment styles sometimes take on parental roles in romantic relationships.

Other Signs of Childhood Trauma in Adults

Exposure to traumatic events can also cause poor self-esteem, depression, self-destructive behavior, and even difficulty trusting others. This can become especially problematic with age, as PTSD and traumatic events from childhood can actually result in adverse health effects in adulthood.

According to a Cleveland Clinic podcast,adults who experienced trauma as kids are much more susceptible to depression and mood disorders, as well as thoughts of suicide. They are also likely to abuse alcohol and other substances. Finally, they are more prone to developing chronic illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease, later in life.

The higher likelihood of developing chronic illness is potentially due to the fact that adults who experienced trauma as children are more likely to engage in high-risk activities like smoking.

This podcast also explained that doctors are researching the possibility that understanding someone's past and their relation to trauma can lead to better treatment that could help in the prevention of these diseases and symptoms. It's even possible that these traumas impacted the brain in a specific way.

Recognizing how the brain has been impacted could lead to advancements in treatment when it comes to therapy and medical intervention.

A Word From Verywell

You are never too old or too far removed to seek help for something that happened when you were a child. Know that you can always start working on yourself and seek help from a therapist. Know that your thoughts and feelings about things that happened to you years ago are just as valid now as they were then, and it is OK if it has taken you a while to get to a point where you are ready to work on it. No matter when you experienced abuse in your life, it is never too late to seek help from a professional.

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Childhood Trauma in Adults: How to Recognize and Heal From It

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If you experienced trauma as a child, it's likely that you are or have experienced some amount of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) later in life. This article explains what trauma is, what childhood abuse may look like, and how childhood trauma impacts adulthood.