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Attachment bonds: a foundation for understanding social relationships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 May 2026

Carley Vornlocher  and
Michelle N. Shiota Open the ORCID record for Michelle N. Shiota [Opens in a new window]
Carley Vornlocher
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA cvornloc@asu.edu lani.shiota@asu.edu
Michelle N. Shiota*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA cvornloc@asu.edu lani.shiota@asu.edu
*
*Corresponding author.
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Abstract

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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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 49 , 2026 , e53
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. Published by Cambridge University Press

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