Abstract

A major developmental step in infancy is to move from being an exclusive partner in the mother-infant pair, to becoming an excluded observer of the parental couple.  This suggests a significant dynamic in groups in which the individuals may seek an exclusive other while being observed, or remain observers of others who can pair together in dialogue.  Such an alternation of different experiences has important effects on the capacities to think, and to feel in possession of an identity in the presence of others.

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