Nancy Segal

Nancy Segal is a professor of psychology and director of the Twin Studies Center at California State University, Fullerton. She is widely recognized as a leading expert in twin research and behavioral genetics, having authored numerous influential books and papers in the field. After earning her PhD in Social/Personality Psychology from the University of Chicago, Segal spent 13 years as a researcher at the University of Minnesota's well-known Minnesota Center for Twin and Adoption Research. Her work has focused extensively on twin relationships, twin development, and the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping human behavior. Segal has published several acclaimed books including "Born Together―Reared Apart: The Landmark Minnesota Twin Study" and "Twin Mythconceptions: False Beliefs, Fables, and Facts About Twins." Her research has been particularly notable for examining rare cases of twins separated at birth and later reunited, providing unique insights into genetic influences on personality and behavior. Her contributions to psychology and twin studies have earned her multiple awards, including the James Shields Award for Twin Research and the Wang Family Excellence Award. Segal continues to conduct research and publish on topics related to twins while serving as a frequent media consultant and expert commentator on twin-related topics.

Readers appreciate Segal's research-based approach to twin studies and her ability to make scientific concepts accessible. Reviews note her thorough documentation and engaging storytelling, particularly in "Twin Mythconceptions" and "Entwined Lives." Readers value her: - Use of real case studies and personal stories - Clear explanations of complex genetic concepts - Balance of academic research with human interest Common criticisms: - Some sections become repetitive - Technical language can be dense in places - Books could be more concise Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Identical Strangers" - 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) "Twin Mythconceptions" - 3.9/5 (180+ ratings) "Entwined Lives" - 4.0/5 (230+ ratings) Amazon: Average 4.5/5 across all titles Review highlights mention "well-researched" and "fascinating" but some note "academic tone" Readers frequently cite her work's value for twin parents and psychology students, though general readers sometimes find the statistical details overwhelming.

Born Together―Reared Apart: The Landmark Minnesota Twin Study (2012) Documents the history, methodology, and findings of the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart (MISTRA), exploring genetic and environmental influences on human behavior.

Someone Else's Twin: The True Story of Babies Switched at Birth (2011) Examines cases of identical twins separated at birth due to hospital errors and the psychological impact on their lives and families.

Entwined Lives: Twins and What They Tell Us About Human Behavior (2000) Presents research findings about twin relationships, twin development, and the nature-nurture debate through scientific studies and personal narratives.

Indivisible by Two: Lives of Extraordinary Twins (2005) Explores various case studies of twins, including conjoined twins, twins separated at birth, and twins with unusual abilities or circumstances.

Twin Mythconceptions: False Beliefs, Fables, and Facts about Twins (2017) Addresses and corrects common misconceptions about twins using scientific research and documented cases.

Deliberately Divided: Inside the Controversial Study of Twins and Triplets Adopted Apart (2021) Investigates the ethics and outcomes of a secret study that separated twins and triplets for adoption to study nature versus nurture.

Accidental Brothers: The Story of Twins Exchanged at Birth and the Power of Nature and Nurture (2018) Chronicles the story of two sets of identical Colombian twins who were accidentally switched at birth and raised as fraternal pairs.