Differences in the mother-infant relations of squirrel monkeys housed in social and restricted environments

Mother and infant squirrel monkeys were housed together in either a group or a restricted environment until the infants were approximately 22 weeks of age. Observations of the mothers' and infants' behavior during this period revealed clear differences between the rearing conditions. Mothers in the socially restricted environment avoided and punished their infants more and were generally less protective than those in the group environment. However, these differences did not appear to reflect differences in maternal attitudes per se, but rather the extent to which infants in the two environments engaged in certain activities. Infants in the restricted environment attempted to play with their mother more often and remained closer to her as they became older.