Psychology of Attachment: Harry Harlow's Monkey Love Experiment

This presentation delves into Harry Harlow's seminal 'Monkey Love' experiments conducted in the 1950s at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which significantly contributed to the field of social psychology. Inspired by the work of John Bowlby, Harlow aimed to scientifically demonstrate the impact of maternal love and companionship on the development of rhesus monkeys. The research involved separating newborn monkeys from their mothers and providing them with surrogate mothers made of wire or terry cloth, some providing food and others comfort. The experiments revealed that the monkeys overwhelmingly preferred the soft, comforting surrogate, even when the wire mother provided nourishment, highlighting the importance of emotional bonding over purely physiological needs. The findings underscored the critical role of attachment in early development, influencing theories of parenthood and adoption, and emphasizing the value of emotional bonding. The presentation will also discuss the ethical considerations of the experiment and its lasting impact on psychology.