Acoustical and Perceptual Correlates of Infant Cry in Monozygotic Twins: Preliminary Study

Abstract

Monozygotic (MZ) twins are similar in various aspects. The similarities in the vocal tracts may also make their voices sound similar. The aim of the study was to investigate acoustical and perceptual characteristics of infant cries in monozygotic twins. Five pairs of MZ twins within one year of age participated in this study. Acoustical and perceptual characteristics of cry were measured from hunger cry and pain cry. The results showed significant similarities within the twins. However variability existed with respect to twin pairs and type of cry signal. The results of the present study indicated that there are other factors influencing voice characteristics along with the genetic constitution.