The Chronological Insight into Harlow’s Monkey Experiment- A Timeline of Emotional Bonding Studies
When was Harlow’s monkey experiment conducted? This question delves into the fascinating history of psychology and the groundbreaking research conducted by Harry Harlow. The experiment, which explored the nature of attachment and bonding, was conducted in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It has since become a cornerstone in the study of human development and has had a profound impact on our understanding of emotional relationships.
The experiment, formally known as the “Rhesus monkey experiments,” was conducted by Harry Harlow, a psychologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Harlow’s primary goal was to investigate the role of maternal care in the development of attachment and social behavior. To do so, he designed a series of experiments using rhesus monkeys as his subjects.
The experiments began in the late 1950s, with the first study being published in 1958. Harlow created a series of artificial “mothers” made of wire mesh and covered with cloth. One of these artificial mothers was equipped with a bottle to provide food, while the other had a soft, cloth surface that could be cuddled. The monkeys were placed in a cage with both artificial mothers and allowed to choose which one to spend time with.
The results of the experiment were surprising and disturbing. The monkeys showed a clear preference for the cloth-covered mother, spending more time with her and seeking comfort from her even when the wire mother provided food. This indicated that the need for comfort and affection was more important than the need for food.
Harlow continued his research by conducting various variations of the experiment. He found that the monkeys who were separated from their mothers at a young age exhibited severe psychological distress, showing signs of anxiety, depression, and aggression. This led Harlow to conclude that the absence of maternal care during early development could have long-lasting negative effects on an individual’s emotional and social development.
The significance of Harlow’s monkey experiment cannot be overstated. It challenged the traditional view of attachment and emphasized the importance of emotional bonds in the development of social behavior. The experiment has had a lasting impact on the field of psychology, influencing theories of attachment, parenting, and the treatment of attachment disorders.
In conclusion, the Harlow’s monkey experiment was conducted in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It has since become a pivotal study in the field of psychology, providing valuable insights into the nature of attachment and the importance of emotional bonds in human development. The experiment’s findings continue to shape our understanding of human relationships and have had a profound impact on the way we view and treat emotional disorders.
