Effects of modification of the social environment on young monkey development

Experiments and observations of the effects of modifications of the social environment on the young primate's relationship with its mother and its social-sexual development have begun to delineate the large number of variables that determine and affect the attachment relationship and that are contingent upon it. Attachment can occur to a number of mother substitutes, including a dog. Early experience has special importance but young monkeys are surprisingly responsive and adaptable to substitute maternal stimuli. The quality of developing social behavior is dependent on both the quantity and quality of an attachment. We have yet to learn what are the critical component stimuli which make up an adequate early social environment for young monkeys and apes.