Studies with Rhesus monkeys were carried out by the psychologists Harry Harlow to study psychological and emotional aspects related to maternal separation and isolation. In this experiment, Harlow used baby monkeys and observed their behavior in different situations that included separating the baby and the mother, providing a fake mother, isolating baby monkeys for a long time and allowing baby monkeys to choose between their mother or food. The results of this experiment showed mother-infant emotional bonds were key for the development and socialization of monkeys, this could be explained as mother monkeys provided contact comfort which supported a positive development and prevailed over food or nourishment.
