Harry Harlow’s monkey love experiments were a series of controversial studies conducted in the 1950s and 60s that sought to understand the nature of attachment and the importance of social contact for infant monkeys. The experiments involved separating infant monkeys from their mothers and exposing them to various surrogate “mothers” made of wire or cloth, which provided differing levels of comfort and food. The studies had a significant impact on the field of psychology, as they demonstrated the profound impact that social and emotional deprivation can have on infant development.
Background
At the time of Harlow’s experiments, it was widely believed that attachment and bonding were solely based on the provision of food by the mother. This was known as the “cupboard theory” of attachment. Harlow, however, was skeptical of this theory and wanted to investigate the role of social contact and comfort in attachment.
The Experiments
Harlow’s experiments involved separating infant monkeys from their mothers within hours of birth and placing them in cages with surrogate mothers. The surrogate mothers were made of either wire or cloth and had different properties. The wire mothers provided food through a nipple, but were not covered in soft material and were therefore not very comforting. The cloth mothers, on the other hand, provided no food, but were covered in soft material and were much more comforting.
The infant monkeys were observed over time and their behavior was analyzed. The results of the experiments were striking and challenged the prevailing theories of attachment.
Results
Harlow found that infant monkeys preferred to spend their time with the cloth mother, even when it did not provide food. The monkeys would cling to the cloth mother and only briefly visit the wire mother to obtain food. Harlow also found that monkeys who were raised without a mother, or with a surrogate mother made only of wire, developed abnormal behaviors such as rocking back and forth and self-harm.
Harlow also conducted a follow-up experiment in which he exposed infant monkeys to frightening stimuli such as loud noises and sudden movements. He found that monkeys who had access to the comforting cloth mother were more able to cope with the stress of the situation than those who only had access to the wire mother.
Implications
The results of Harlow’s experiments challenged the prevailing theories of attachment, which held that attachment was solely based on the provision of food. Instead, Harlow demonstrated that the need for social contact and comfort was just as important as the need for food. The studies also showed that social and emotional deprivation could have profound impacts on infant development, leading to abnormal behaviors and an inability to cope with stress.
The experiments were controversial at the time, as they involved separating infant monkeys from their mothers and exposing them to stress. Harlow was criticized by some for being unethical and causing unnecessary harm to the monkeys. However, his work had a profound impact on the field of psychology and led to a greater understanding of the importance of social and emotional connections for infant development.
Harlow’s studies also had practical implications. They highlighted the importance of providing nurturing environments for children, particularly those who may have experienced neglect or abuse. The studies also led to changes in the way that zoos and animal parks cared for animals, with a greater emphasis on providing social and environmental enrichment for animals in captivity.
Conclusion
Harry Harlow’s monkey love experiments were controversial and generated a great deal of debate at the time. However, they had a significant impact on the field of psychology and led to a greater understanding of the importance of social and emotional connections for infant development. The experiments highlighted the need for nurturing environments for children and animals and helped to promote greater awareness of the psychological and emotional needs of living creatures. Despite the controversy, Harlow’s studies remain a landmark in the history of psychology and continue to be studied and debated to this day.