The Role of Contact Comfort in Attachment

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 67 views

Understanding Attachment Theory: Insights from Harry Harlow's Research with Rhesus Monkeys

Harry Harlow's groundbreaking research on rhesus monkeys has significantly contributed to our understanding of attachment theory. Conducted in the 1950s and 1960s, Harlow's studies aimed to investigate the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment in primates. In this article, we will delve into the key findings of Harlow's research and explore the implications of his work on attachment theory.

The Significance of Harlow's Research

Harlow's research with rhesus monkeys was a pioneering effort in the field of attachment theory. His studies provided valuable insights into the importance of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment in primates. By using a combination of experimental and observational methods, Harlow was able to demonstrate the significance of these factors in shaping the attachment behaviors of his subjects.

The Role of Contact Comfort in Attachment

One of the key findings of Harlow's research was the importance of contact comfort in attachment. Harlow demonstrated that contact comfort, which refers to the physical closeness and warmth of a caregiver, played a crucial role in the development of attachment in rhesus monkeys. In his studies, Harlow used a "cloth mother" and a "wire mother" to investigate the effects of contact comfort on attachment. The cloth mother was a soft, cuddly object that provided physical comfort, while the wire mother was a cold, unyielding object that did not provide any physical comfort.

The Preference for the Cloth "Mother"

Harlow's research showed that the rhesus monkeys clearly preferred the cloth "mother" over the wire "mother." The monkeys would cling to the cloth mother, even when the wire mother was available, demonstrating a strong preference for the physical comfort and warmth provided by the cloth mother. This finding suggests that contact comfort is a critical factor in the development of attachment in primates.

The Implications of Harlow's Research

The findings of Harlow's research have significant implications for our understanding of attachment theory. His studies demonstrate that contact comfort and social interaction are essential components of attachment in primates. The preference of the rhesus monkeys for the cloth "mother" over the wire "mother" highlights the importance of physical comfort and warmth in the development of attachment.

In conclusion, Harry Harlow's research with rhesus monkeys has provided valuable insights into the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment in primates. His studies demonstrate the importance of physical comfort and warmth in the development of attachment and highlight the significance of social interaction in shaping attachment behaviors. The findings of Harlow's research have significant implications for our understanding of attachment theory and have contributed to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of attachment.

Harlow, H. F. (1958). The nature of love. American Psychologist, 13(12), 673-685.
Harlow, H. F. (1961). The development of affectional patterns in infant monkeys. In D. S. Lehrman, R. A. Hinde, & E. Shaw (Eds.), Advances in the study of behavior (Vol. 2, pp. 267-294). New York: Academic Press.
Harlow, H. F. (1962). The maternal affectional system of rhesus monkeys. In E. L. Bliss (Ed.), Roots of behavior (pp. 75-116). New York: Harper & Row.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
Frequently Asked Questions: Harry Harlow's Research on Attachment Theory

Harry Harlow's research on attachment theory has been a cornerstone of understanding human behavior and development. His groundbreaking studies on rhesus monkeys have provided valuable insights into the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about Harlow's research and its implications for attachment theory.

Q: What was the main goal of Harlow's research on attachment theory?

A: The main goal of Harlow's research was to investigate the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment in primates. He aimed to understand how these factors contribute to the formation of attachment behaviors in rhesus monkeys.

Q: What was the significance of the "cloth mother" and "wire mother" in Harlow's research?

A: The "cloth mother" and "wire mother" were two different types of surrogate mothers used in Harlow's research. The cloth mother was a soft, cuddly object that provided physical comfort, while the wire mother was a cold, unyielding object that did not provide any physical comfort. Harlow's research showed that the rhesus monkeys preferred the cloth mother over the wire mother, highlighting the importance of contact comfort in attachment.

Q: What did Harlow's research reveal about the role of social interaction in attachment?

A: Harlow's research demonstrated that social interaction is a critical component of attachment. The rhesus monkeys in his study showed a strong preference for the cloth mother, which provided physical comfort and warmth. This finding suggests that social interaction plays a significant role in the development of attachment behaviors.

Q: How did Harlow's research contribute to our understanding of attachment theory?

A: Harlow's research provided valuable insights into the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment. His findings have contributed to our understanding of attachment theory and have highlighted the importance of physical comfort and warmth in the development of attachment.

Q: What are the implications of Harlow's research for human attachment?

A: Harlow's research has significant implications for human attachment. His findings suggest that contact comfort and social interaction are essential components of attachment in humans. This understanding has important implications for child development, parenting, and mental health.

Q: How has Harlow's research influenced attachment theory and practice?

A: Harlow's research has had a significant impact on attachment theory and practice. His findings have influenced the development of attachment-based interventions, such as attachment therapy and parent-child interaction therapy. His research has also informed our understanding of the importance of physical comfort and warmth in the development of attachment.

Q: What are some of the limitations of Harlow's research?

A: While Harlow's research was groundbreaking, it has some limitations. His study was conducted with rhesus monkeys, which may not be directly applicable to human attachment. Additionally, his research focused on the role of contact comfort and social interaction, but did not explore other factors that may contribute to attachment.

In conclusion, Harry Harlow's research on attachment theory has provided valuable insights into the role of contact comfort and social interaction in the development of attachment. His findings have significant implications for our understanding of attachment theory and have informed the development of attachment-based interventions. While his research has limitations, it remains a cornerstone of understanding human behavior and development.

Harlow, H. F. (1958). The nature of love. American Psychologist, 13(12), 673-685.
Harlow, H. F. (1961). The development of affectional patterns in infant monkeys. In D. S. Lehrman, R. A. Hinde, & E. Shaw (Eds.), Advances in the study of behavior (Vol. 2, pp. 267-294). New York: Academic Press.
Harlow, H. F. (1962). The maternal affectional system of rhesus monkeys. In E. L. Bliss (Ed.), Roots of behavior (pp. 75-116). New York: Harper & Row.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. New York: Basic Books.
Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the strange situation. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
Shonkoff, J. P., & Phillips, D. A. (2000). From neurons to neighborhoods: The science of early childhood development. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.