Harry Harlow (psychologist)

Harry Harlow was a psychologist known for his groundbreaking research on the importance of caregiving and companionship in social and emotional development. He conducted experiments with rhesus monkeys to explore how comfort and attachment influence well-being, demonstrating that monkeys preferred soft, nurturing surrogate mothers over wire ones providing food. His findings highlighted the importance of emotional bonds and raised awareness about the detrimental effects of social isolation. Harlow's work significantly advanced understanding of attachment theory and the critical role of nurturing relationships for healthy psychological development.