Harry Harlow conducted experiments on rhesus monkeys to show the importance of bonding between mothers and children. Baby monkeys were isolated from their mothers at birth and placed in cages with either a wire surrogate that dispensed food or a cloth surrogate that provided warmth and comfort. The baby monkeys attached themselves to the cloth surrogate and would only go to the wire surrogate when starving, showing their need for comfort and bonding beyond just food. Harlow's experiments supported the theory that infant attachment to mothers is due to the positive feelings and safety provided by the mother, not just for feeding.

1. Harry Harlow’s monkey theory
By Phoebe Mclean
Fiona Murphy
Megan Tolson

2. Harlow’s research supported the importance of bonding between
the mother and the child. This was shown using Rhesus monkeys.
The baby monkeys were isolated from their mother when they
were born so they grew up alone.
They would be put in a cage with a wired monkey where it can only
be fed through a bottle and a cloth monkey which had warmth and
affection.
It was proven that the baby monkey would attach themselves to
the cloth monkey until they are starving so they forced themselves
to go to the wired monkey.
They would cling themselves to the cloth monkey when they were
frightened and for comfort
Harlow’s theory

3.  It has been said that Harlow’s theory links to practice in the
fact that infants only had an attachment to their mothers
because they were the source of food and because the
mother gave off positive feelings to the child.
 Also that the child’s bond with their mother is so strong
and they are their safe haven so when they are apart, they
will become anxious and upset as they have been
separated from her as they feel safe and comfortable in
her presence.
How has his theory impacted on
practice in setting?

4. •His experiments are considered cruel from an animal protection standpoint.
•“The only thing I care about is whether a monkey will turn out a property I
can publish. I don't have any love for them. Never have. I don't really like
animals. I despise cats. I hate dogs. How could you like monkeys?” – Harry
Harlow, 1974
•His experiments have limited value in attempting to understand the effects of
deprivation on human infants since Rhesus monkeys are a different species.
•In addition Harlow created a state of anxiety in female monkeys which had
implications once they became parents. Such monkeys became so neurotic
that they smashed their infant's face into the floor and rubbed it back and
forth.
Criticism of Harlows theory