Czech twins

• Who were the Czech Twins?

  Identical twin boys born in 1960
• What happened to the Czech Twins' mother shortly after their birth?

  She died shortly after their birth
• Who cared for the Czech Twins during their first year?

  A social agency cared for them
• What type of environment did the Czech Twins return to after their first year?

  They returned to an abusive environment
• How were the Czech Twins treated by their father and stepmother?

  They were severely abused and isolated
• From what ages were the Czech Twins locked in a small room?

  From 18 months to 7 years
• What were the consequences of the abuse on the Czech Twins?

  Deprivation of social interaction, language, and care
• What physical conditions did the Czech Twins experience?

  They were beaten, undernourished, and isolated
• At what age were the Czech Twins discovered?

  At age 7
• What could the Czech Twins not do when discovered?

  They could not speak
• What signs of emotional disturbance did the Czech Twins show?

  Fear and no social responsiveness
• What happened to the Czech Twins after they were discovered?

  They were placed in care and adopted
• What type of support did the Czech Twins receive after being adopted?

  Intensive therapy and education
• What developmental milestones did the Czech Twins achieve by adolescence?

  Normal cognitive, social, and emotional development
• What kind of attachments did the Czech Twins form as they grew up?

  Strong attachments
• What did the Czech Twins grow up to be?

  Emotionally stable adults with jobs
• What does the case of the Czech Twins show about recovery from early privation?

  • Recovery is possible after severe early privation
  • High-quality care and support are crucial
  • Highlights resilience and developmental plasticity
• What challenges does the Czech Twins case present to Bowlby’s theory?

  • Suggests irreversible damage may not occur
  • Indicates a "sensitive period" rather than a "critical period"
• What are the limitations of the Czech Twins case study?

  • Unique case, not generalizable to all children
  • Unknown early factors may have influenced outcomes