A Taxonomy of Relationships

Abstract

This paper presents a theory of the determinants of relationships that leads to a taxonomy of relationships. In this taxonomy one class of relationships, attachments,- includes relationships that are maintained by the incorporation of an image of the other into an emotional system associated with feelings of security. A second class of relationships, affiliations, includes relationships that are maintained by a sense of alliance based on common interest. It is proposed that the theory underlying the taxonomy explains several of the ways in which relationships differ.