A variable-temperature surrogate mother for studying attachment in infant monkeys

Abstract

A variable temperature surrogate mother for use with infant monkeys is described. The apparatus is designed to facilitate manipulation of the infant-surrogate attachment bond. Data showing significant behavioral changes in ventral contact and locomotion as a function of depressed surrogate temperature are presented. The value of this technique in the production of psyehopathology is indicated by a dramatic and progressive increase in disturbance behaviors during a 9-week test period. Implications for the use of a variable temperature surrogate in studying animal models of psyehopathology are noted. © 1973 Psychonomic Society, Inc.