Definition of Harry Harlow

Harry Harlow was an American psychologist best known for his groundbreaking work on attachment theory and his controversial experiments involving infant monkeys. He was born on October 31, 1905, in Fairfield, Iowa, and passed away on December 6, 1981, in Tucson, Arizona.

Early Life and Education

Harry Harlow grew up in a small town in Iowa and developed a profound interest in psychology at a young age. He obtained his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and went on to pursue his Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Contributions to Psychology

Harlow’s most significant contribution to the field of psychology was his work on attachment theory. Through a series of controversial experiments on rhesus monkeys, he demonstrated that social and emotional connections played a crucial role in an individual’s development and well-being.

The Surrogate Mother Experiments

In his surrogate mother experiments, Harlow separated infant monkeys from their biological mothers and provided them with two surrogate mothers, one made of wire and another covered in soft cloth. Contrary to prevailing theories at the time, Harlow found that the infant monkeys formed stronger bonds with the cloth mothers, seeking comfort and security from them rather than the wire mothers which provided food.

Impact and Controversy

Harlow’s experiments were highly controversial and sparked ethical debates. However, they revolutionized our understanding of attachment and had a profound impact on child rearing practices. His research highlighted the importance of caregiving, touch, and emotional support in fostering healthy development.

Later Life and Legacy

In the later years of his career, Harlow continued to conduct research on social isolation and maternal deprivation, further expanding our understanding of the effects of early relationships on psychological well-being. His work continues to be influential in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and child development.

Overall, Harry Harlow’s pioneering research on attachment and social development has forever shaped our understanding of human and animal behavior, challenging existing beliefs and emphasizing the significance of love, affection, and emotional connections in our lives.