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Theoretical analysis explores how infants use attachment to classify social relationships, suggesting new avenues for social cognition research.
Thomas proposes that infants classify social relationships using the categories of Relational Models Theory. Attachment theory and research describe an innate, early-emerging suite of psychological processes by which infants identify and bond selectively to caregivers. Classification of others’ relationships might build upon these same mechanisms, with implications for future research on social cognition across development.
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Vornlocher et al. (2026) studied this question.
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