What were the findings of Harlow's research on maternal deprivation

Harlow made use of rhesus monkeys to study maternal deprivation and found that, when they are placed in a scary environment, the monkeys were more likely to cling to the cloth artificial monkey than the iron one, indicating contact comfort. This went against some ideas from other researchers that feeding is the most important process in bonding between the mother and infant. He also found that, when an elder monkey was introduced into the cage with the deprived, the deprived monkey clung to the older one and followed them round in order to catch up with the development of socialisation skills that they had missed through being deprived for the 165 days.

RT
Answered by Rachel T. Psychology tutor

2932 Views

See similar Psychology A Level tutors

Related Psychology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between semantic and episodic memory?


Describe the main components of the psychodynamic therapy of dream analysis


What is the point of having a control group in a Psychological experiment?


How would you answer an essay question on the behavioural approach to treating phobias?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning