Field Journal

Source: Harry Harlow Article

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The mother's parenting style was likely one lacking "comfort" love, as described by Harlow. Monkey infants still bonded with cloth mothers regardless if milk was provided. If this mother provided for her child, but lacked the crucial comfort contact and proximity required for a bond to develop, she was about as influential as the "wire mothers" in Harlow's experiment. The wire mother was fit to care for all the needs of the baby monkey, but lacked the comfort element of the terry-cloth covered cloth mother. In some cases, the wire mother provided food- others the cloth mother- and regardless, the monkeys continually bonded with the cloth mother.

 

Due to the developing attachment between the baby monkeys and the cloth mothers, the infants felt secure enough to explore their surroundings, particularly the environmental situations in Harlow's experiment. These findings mimic Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" experiment where human children felt more secure and reassured with their mother present. Regardless of the presented situation, the children were able to cope and explore within the comfort of their mother.

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1. The article includes the following quote from a mother: “Now I know what's wrong with me," she said, "I'm just a wire mother." Based on your understanding of Harlow’s experiments, describe this mother’s parenting style. Be sure to include a description of Harlow’s wire mother and cloth mother in your response.

2. How does attachment affect exploration? Be sure to include findings from both Harlow and Ainsworth in your response.