Persistent Behavior Pathology in Rhesus Monkeys Following Early Social Isolation

Abstract

Isolated monkeys show more emotional behavior than controls but less play, sex, exploration and vocalization. Isolation from months 6 to 12 produced more exploration than isolation from months 0 to 12 or 0 to 6. The isolates'' hostility toward infants and overall fear declined with age, but hostility toward age-mates, sex, and exploration increased with age. Infants elicit both play and hostility from isolates. Pacing and rocking are inversely related to bizarre idiosyncratic movements.