Dimensions of Social Interactions among Infant Rhesus Monkeys

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Abstract
To determine the basic dimensions of social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys, 12 animals were divided into groups of four each and observed in a playroom situation. Each monkey was observed for a total of 3 hr. in 18 test sessions over a 2-mo. period. A factor analysis of three separate sets of data yielded two independent factors: an approach-avoidance factor in which the monkey being observed passes or approaches another animal who withdraws, and an avoidance-approach factor in which the monkey being observed withdraws as another monkey passes or approaches. The first factor appears similar to what is ordinarily called “dominance” among humans and the second factor appears similar to what is ordinarily called “submission.” Unlike studies with humans, no “love-hostility” factor emerged. This was thought to be due to the age and/or early social deprivation of Ss. There was little consistency in the behavior of the monkeys when group compositions were changed.