Three Eight-Year-Olds

A set of normal male dizygotic triplets was studied between their fourth and eighth years. Physical measures including strength and endurance, and achievements which approach ability limits, separate the fraternal one from the identicals. Accomplishments depending on willingness, interest, spontaneity, opportunity, etc., but not requiring maximum effort, do not separate the children at all. Personality characteristics are more difficult to classify. Although these triplets have rather similar self-images, many personality differences appear. On this dimension, the identicals are scarcely more alike than either is like his same-aged brother. Each, in fact, is unique as an individual.