From first impressions to bonds: The neural dynamics of social relationships

Social relationships are best understood not as isolated interactions but as dynamic representations shaped through evaluative processes, interaction-driven learning, motivational value, and memory-based structure. This review synthesizes research across these domains to trace how relationships develop from initial impressions through repeated interactions to stable social bonds and networks. We organize the literature by relationship stage and highlight how overlapping neural systems are differentially engaged as relationships evolve over time. By treating relationships as unfolding processes, we reveal computational principles that become apparent only across time. Building on cognitive map theory, we propose that social relationships are represented as structured relational spaces supporting updating and generalization. We further highlight emerging computational and methodological approaches-including map-based models, naturalistic paradigms, and tools for analyzing dynamic social behavior-that enable the study of relationships across their temporal arc. This framework offers new ways to study the formation, maintenance, and adaptation of social bonds.