The role of socialization of cognition is presented in the context of the Psychological Distancing Model, which is the central point of departure for the development of representational competence. Psychological distancing and representational competence are inexorably linked in human development. This exposition details the relationship of mutual interdependence. The focus of this paper is on verbal communication within dyads in the service of activating and energizing representational thought. Instances of distancing acts are presented and their psychological consequences are detailed. The Psychological Distancing Model (PDM) is conceptualized as a metaphor—a bridge between exogenous cognitive demands and internalization and understanding of the representational rule.
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