Abnormal Behavior in Non-Isolate-Reared Rhesus Monkeys

Abstract

The research reported here documents the existence of self-directed aggression in non-isolate-reared rhesus monkeys. Ss for this series of studies were reared with their mothers for most of the first year of life, and each animal experienced constant social access to a like-sexed peer throughout its second year of life. Significant amounts of social contact were also provided during the third and fourth years. Ss were observed in social situations at approximately 1, 2, 2½, 3, and 4½ yr. of age, and some self-biting was observed at each age. Self-aggression occurred primarily in semi-stressful contexts which apparently did not allow appropriate outward-directed expression of emotion. The use of socially reared animals as models for the study of self-directed aggression is suggested as an alternative to the use of isolate-reared Ss.