Discuss Harlow's studies on attachment with monkeys.

Harlow's studies on attachment with monkeys showed the importance of contact comfort over food.

In the 1950s, psychologist Harry Harlow conducted a series of experiments on rhesus monkeys to investigate attachment. Harlow separated infant monkeys from their mothers and placed them in cages with two surrogate mothers: one made of wire mesh and one covered in soft cloth. The wire mother provided milk, while the cloth mother did not. Despite this, the infant monkeys spent significantly more time clinging to the cloth mother, even when they were hungry. This suggested that contact comfort was more important than food in forming attachment.

Harlow also conducted a further experiment where he exposed infant monkeys to fearful stimuli and observed their behaviour when the surrogate mothers were present. The monkeys who had the cloth mother present were more likely to explore and play, demonstrating a sense of security, whereas those with the wire mother showed fearful and aggressive behaviour.

These studies have been criticised for their ethical implications, as the monkeys were subjected to prolonged periods of isolation and distress. However, they have also had a significant impact on our understanding of attachment in humans. Harlow's findings suggest that the quality of early attachment experiences is more important than the provision of basic needs such as food, and that contact comfort and a sense of security are crucial in forming strong attachments.