# Public Health Professionals’ Perceptions on Intertwin Relationship in Multiple‐Birth Family Nursing

## TL;DR

This study explores how dominance and roles manifest in the relationships of twins under 7 years old, as perceived by public health nurses.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the intertwin dynamics observed by nurses and their implications for nursing practice.

## Key findings

- Twins exhibit distinct roles such as the space taker, decision maker, or follower.
- The intertwin relationship quality is evident in daily interactions and affects individuality and balance.
- Nurses need evidence-based knowledge to support the development of multiples effectively.

## Abstract

To describe how dominance, submissiveness, and speaking role appear in the intertwin relationship between twins under 7 years old.

A cross‐sectional study design was used. The respondents (n = 72) were nurses. Information about the intertwin relationship was explored through Likert‐scale statements and open‐ended questions. This article reports the open‐ended questions that were analyzed by content analysis.

Dominance, submissiveness, and the speaking role appear in twins’ behavior. The twins take different roles, such as the space taker, the decision maker, the follower on the sidelines, the helper, or the recipient of help. Twins can interact as either being brave and visible or withdraw into the background. The quality of intertwin relationships manifests in daily life situations, which brings opportunities to observe, guide, and support the children's individuality and balance the intertwin relationship.

To continue to support the growth and development of multiples in maternity and child health clinics, nurses need to have knowledge of the relationship between twins and the leadership, submissiveness, and speaking role associated with it. Work and guidance in nursing must be evidence‐based.