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Poster ID #444

Abstract

While a wide number of studies have assessed temperament as a predictor of future personality or behavior, few studies have assessed its interindividual stability over the first few months of life in nonhuman primates. This laboratory study examined temperament in group-housed infant rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) assessing interindividual consistency from the second through fifth months of life using objective behavioral measures. Stability of temperament was measured by correlating (Pearson Product-Moment tests) individual differences in the frequency of 25 behaviors over months 2-5 of life in 88 mother-reared subjects. Two 5-minute sessions were recorded for subjects each week and the mean for each month was the dependent variable. Results: Eleven behaviors exhibited a statistically significant consistency across at least three of the four months measured, with a significant positive r-value between .204 and .601. Statistically significant consistency was found for maternally-oriented behaviors of contact cling, mutual ventral, approach by infant, and leave by infant. This maternally-oriented trait may reflect maternal treatment, as well as temperament because receive groom by mother, and restrain by mother were also consistent across months. Consistency was found for the behaviors characteristic of activity including locomotion, environmental exploration, and inactivity. Consistency was also found in socialize with others, and anxiety-like self-directed behavior. This study suggests that objective measurements of temperament in infant rhesus monkeys are consistent across time and possibly situation.

Description

The Annual Mary Lou Fulton Mentored Research Conference showcases some of the best student research from the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences. The mentored learning program encourages undergraduate students to participate in hands-on and practical research under the direction of a faculty member. Students create these posters as an aide in presenting the results of their research to the public, faculty, and their peers.

Publication Date

2010-04-01

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/2309

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

Consistency of temperament of in group-housed infant rhesus monkeys (Macacamulatta) during the first months of life

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Psychology Commons

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