Abnormal social development of protein-malnourished rhesus monkeys.

Abstract

Reports results of an experiment with 2 groups of 5 rhesus monkeys. Ss fed diets deficient in protein (3.5% casein) exhibited social behaviors qualitatively different from controls fed diets sufficient in protein (25% casein). In general, the protein-malnourished Ss showed a lack of reciprocal responsiveness to social initiations, aggression, and a predominance of nonsocially-directed behaviors when compared to controls. Results are discussed in terms of a nutritional-environmental interaction that produces abnormal and possibly long-term deficits in social development. (22 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1972 American Psychological Association.