How did the story of the triplets begin?
In 1961, three identical triplets were born in New York, but their lives were far from ordinary. Instead of a typical childhood, their lives became the focus of a controversial psychological experiment with long-lasting impacts, the details of which were kept hidden for decades.
The Background and Psychological Experiment
The triplets—Robert Shafran, Edward Galland, and David Kellman—were born to a mother who, due to difficult circumstances, decided to place them for adoption shortly after their birth on July 12, 1961. They were placed in the care of an adoption agency specializing in Jewish families, but there was an underlying agenda that would later shock the world.
Peter Neubauer, a psychologist, orchestrated a controversial study that involved separating the triplets and placing them into different families with varying social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. Neubauer’s goal was to investigate the relative influences of nature versus nurture on personality development.
Reunion and the Shocking Discovery
In 1980, when Robert Shafran began college in New York, his life took an unexpected turn. He was greeted by classmates who mistook him for Edward Galland, a student who had attended the same college the previous year. The resemblance between Robert and Edward was striking, leading to the revelation that they were identical twins.
Soon after, David Kellman, the third triplet, was identified, and the resemblance among the three siblings was astounding. This discovery sparked widespread media coverage and public interest, uncovering the fact that they were part of a deeply unethical psychological experiment.
The Psychological Experiment and Its Aftermath
Neubauer's experiments were not limited to just these triplets but involved about 11 other sets of twins. The research included a range of psychological tests, some of which were harsh, all designed to assess the effects of different environments on biologically identical individuals.
After the reunion, the triplets decided to live together and opened a restaurant called "Manhattan." Despite their initial joy, conflicts soon arose regarding work conditions and lifestyle, leading to significant tensions. Tragically, Edward Galland committed suicide in 1995, a devastating event that caused Robert and David to drift apart.
Revelation and Ongoing Impact
In 2018, filmmaker Tim Wardle released a documentary that brought the full details of this disturbing story to light. The film revealed that Neubauer never published his findings, and the study's documents are stored at Yale University, inaccessible until 2065.
Robert and David continue to call for the release of the documents and seek compensation for the harm they endured. While the Jewish Board acknowledges the errors made by Neubauer, it refuses to issue a formal apology or appear in media interviews, preferring to stay out of the public eye.
Lessons from the Story
The story of the triplets raises significant ethical questions about the boundaries of scientific research and the importance of respecting individual rights. It highlights how psychological studies can cross ethical lines and have unforeseen impacts on participants' lives, underscoring the need for stringent ethical standards and transparency in research involving human subjects
COMMENTS