The Difference Harry Harlow’s Experiments Made on the Understanding of Mother-Child Relationships

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During the first half of the 20th century, many psychologists believed that showing affection towards children was merely a sentimental gesture that served no real purpose. Behaviourist John B. Watson once even went so far as to warn parents, "When you are tempted to pet your child, remember that mother love is a dangerous instrument." According to many thinkers of the day, affection would only spread diseases and lead to adult psychological problems. Many of the existing theories of love centred on the idea that the earliest attachment between a mother and child was merely a means for the child to obtain food, relieve thirst, and avoid pain. Harlow, however, believed that this behavioural view of mother-child attachment was an inadequate explanation. In a series of controversial experiments conducted in 1960s, Harlow demonstrated the powerful effects of love. By showing the devastating effects of deprivation on young rhesus monkeys, Harlow revealed the importance of a mother's love for healthy childhood development. His experiments were often unethical and cruel, yet they uncovered fundamental truths that have heavily influenced our understanding of child development even though the monkeys he experimented on were unable to resume a normal life after the experiment had ended. The monkeys who were kept in total isolation were unable to comprehend other monkeys or their playful actions towards them. Many of these monkeys spent a large amount of time rocking back and forth, running in circles and even self mutilated on occasion. While many experts derided the importance of parental love and affection, Harlow’s experiments offered irrefutable proof that love is vital for normal childhood development. Additional experiments by Harlow revealed the long-term devastation caused by deprivation, leading to profound psychological and emotional distress and even death.

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