Lecture Notes on Attachment and Harlow Monkey Experiments

Introduction to Attachment

• Definition: Attachment refers to the close bond that exists between a mother and her child.
• Traditional View: Scientists historically believed that attachment was primarily due to the mother's ability to provide food.
• Beyond Food: Other factors like 'contact comfort' also play a crucial role in attachment.

Harlow Monkey Experiments

• Purpose: Conducted to understand the basis of attachment between mother and child.
• Controversial Method: Involved separating baby monkeys from their parents at a young age.

Experiment Setup

• Substitute Mothers: Monkeys were given two alternative mother figures:
  1. Wire Mother:
     • Structure: Face-like shape, chicken wire body.
     • Function: Provided food through a feeding tube.
  2. Cloth Mother:
     • Structure: Similar size and shape as the wire mother but covered with a soft cloth.
     • Function: Provided comfort through its soft texture.

Observations

• Preference: Monkeys showed a strong preference for the Cloth Mother.
  • Indicated that comfort, rather than food, was the basis of attachment.
• Behavior:
  • Monkeys clung to the Cloth Mother even when feeding from the Wire Mother.
  • Monkeys became more comfortable over time but always returned to the Cloth Mother.

Concept of Secure Base

• Definition: The Cloth Mother acted as a 'secure base' for the monkeys.
  • Monkeys felt secure enough to explore the cage, knowing that the Cloth Mother would be there upon return.
  • This secure attachment facilitated exploration and confidence in the monkeys.

Conclusion

• Findings: Harlow's experiments highlighted the importance of comfort and security in forming attachments, challenging the notion that nourishment was the primary factor.
• Implications: Contact comfort plays a critical role in the emotional and psychological development of young animals, including humans.