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Amrisha Vaish’s research focuses on children’s behavior concerning cooperation, morality, and the development of social relationships. She emphasizes that children as young as their first year begin to pay attention to acts like causing harm, apologizing, expressing remorse, and showing concern for those who have been hurt. These behaviors are early indicators of our species’ innate social awareness and moral sensibilities.
By observing interactions between children, especially in situations where harm occurs, researchers can understand what influences social preferences and relationship maintenance. Vaish’s studies reveal that children are attentive to remorse and apology from a surprisingly young age, which influences their willingness to forgive and maintain friendships.