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Previous work with Rhesus monkeys has demonstrated that infant-mother separation produces changes in infant monkeys similar to anaclitic depressions described by Spitz in institutionalized infants, and to reactions described by Bowlby in older children separated from mother. Monkey depression is depicted as occurring in two stages: an initial stage of protest (hyperactivity), and a stage of despair and withdrawal characterized by self-mouthing, self-clasping, and huddling. Further experiments revealed that profound depression also occurred in monkeys removed from peer groups in which they had been reared from infancy. Moreover, in monkeys reared with mothers for six months, then separated and placed with peers, depression was not as profound as when monkeys were completely isolated. When finally separated from peers and placed in isolation, profound depression ensued. Reunions with peers were characterized by mutual clinging behavior.
Another experimental variable, a cage resembling a vertical pit with little room for locomotion, was used. When separated monkeys were confined in this cage, even upon reunion with peers there was no clinging behavior, depression appearing permanent and profound. The authors call attention to these four variables: 1, the nature of the bonds which, when broken, lead to depression; 2, the kinds of separation experiences most likely to lead to depression; 3, the effect of age on response to separation; 4, the effect of reunion at varying stages of separation. There is little question that the variables explored by the authors are also important in human object relations and in reactions to object loss, but the authors correctly caution against unfounded extrapolations of antimal data to human clinical situations.