Monkey children also have attachment styles

Spektrum der Wissenschaft

11.6.2025

Translation: machine translated

For the first time, researchers have observed different types of attachment among wild chimpanzee cubs. The most harmful, however, is probably only found in humans.

Marmosets develop different attachment styles - very similar to human children. This is shown by a study published in mid-May 2025 in the journal «Nature Human Behaviour». Researchers led by primatologist Eléonore Rolland from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig spent four years observing a total of 50 chimpanzees in Taï National Park in Côte d'Ivoire. Based on more than 3700 hours of behavioural observation, the team analysed the interaction between young animals and their mothers. The scientists were particularly interested in how the young behaved in the event of danger - such as sudden noises, rank fights or threatening gestures.

Statistical methods were used to identify different groups that are very similar to the so-called «organised» types from psychological attachment theory. The first group sought protection from their mother when in danger, were reliably comforted and increasingly explored their surroundings independently in safe moments. According to the authors, this pattern corresponds to what is known as secure attachment in humans. Chimpanzee cubs in the second group sought much less proximity to their mother, distanced themselves when threatened and tried to help themselves, for example by climbing trees. This behaviour reminded the researchers of the insecure-avoidant attachment type. Like all organised attachment styles, it is considered a strategic adaptation, for example for a child who has to cope with an emotionally inaccessible caregiver.

The third group sought their mother's attention and closeness more than is usual for their age. This was initially reminiscent of an insecure-ambivalent bond. However, the affectionate monkeys were - atypically - usually easy to comfort. The researchers therefore suspect that these are extremely sensitive, yet securely attached animals.

What was completely missing, however, were signs of disorganised attachment. In humans, this usually results from very bad experiences with attachment figures and is considered a risk factor for mental disorders. However, the young chimpanzees showed neither stereotypical behaviour such as disturbed rocking nor aggression towards their mothers - not even in animals whose mothers occasionally reacted severely.

The fact that disorganised patterns can develop and persist appears to be a human peculiarity, favoured by complex social structures. Parental violence was rare among the chimpanzees observed, and neglect does occur in the wild, but quickly has fatal consequences. In addition, orphaned chimpanzees living in human care certainly show signs of disorganised bonding.

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