Even Infants Understand That Sharing Food Indicates Closeness

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Even Infants Understand That Sharing Food Indicates Closeness

by Emily Carter

Updated: Jan. 27, 2022
Originally Published: Jan. 24, 2022

It may sound unappealing, but here’s an interesting fact: kids learn about their surroundings by observing how adults share saliva—through actions like kissing, food sharing, or even using saliva to clean their faces. A recent study has revealed that even very young children can determine familial bonds or identify potential caregivers based on these interactions.

Published in Science, the study highlights that infants, toddlers, and young children are adept at picking up on cues involving saliva to understand caregiving dynamics. “This research demonstrates that infants, even at a young age, are discerning not just who is connected but the nature of those connections,” explains Jamie Lewis, the lead researcher and a psychologist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The study involved children across three age groups who were shown two video scenarios. In one, a woman converses with a puppet, takes a bite of an orange slice, and shares it with the puppet. In the other, the woman speaks to the puppet and hands it a ball. When the puppet cries after receiving the ball, researchers noted that kids expected the woman would offer more help if she had first shared the orange slice, implying a deeper connection formed through saliva exchange.

Dr. Ivy Richards, a psychologist from Uppsala University in Sweden, who contributed to the study, suggests this recognition could be an innate ability, as young children inherently grasp its significance. However, further investigation is necessary to validate this theory.

While the study has limitations—such as a small sample size and a lack of cultural diversity among participants—its findings are illuminating. The researchers emphasize that meaningful relationships can exist between children and caregivers who do not engage in saliva-sharing, like daycare workers or preschool teachers. “We don’t expect daycare providers to form the same deep bonds as family members,” notes Lewis. “Their role is invaluable, and we should ensure they receive appropriate compensation.”

So, the next time you share a meal or a kiss with your partner or child, remember that they are observing and learning about the bonds that connect family members.

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Summary:

This article discusses a fascinating study revealing that even infants can discern relational dynamics based on saliva-sharing cues, such as food sharing or kissing. The research highlights the importance of these interactions in forming bonds, while also acknowledging that meaningful connections can exist without saliva-sharing. For further insights on fertility and home insemination, various resources are provided, emphasizing the significance of caregiver roles.

Keyphrase: Sharing Food and Intimacy

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