National Counselor Exam (NCE)

Harry Harlow's experiment with baby monkeys highlighted the significance of comfort and emotional security in the attachment process. His research showed that when given a choice, the infant monkeys overwhelmingly preferred to spend time with a soft, terrycloth "mother" rather than a wire "mother" that provided food. This finding underscores the idea that attachment is not solely based on the fulfillment of basic needs, such as nourishment. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of comfort, warmth, and emotional connection in forming attachments. The preference for a soft mother demonstrates the innate desire for nurturing and emotional support, indicating that these factors play a crucial role in the development of attachment in young animals. This has profound implications for understanding social and emotional development in humans as well.