Status and Stress in Primate Populations.
Abstract
A preliminary report is presented covering work accomplished through the third year of a program designed to correlate physiological measures (adreno cortico steroid hormone excretion levels) with behavioral measures of stress. Stress in nonhuman primate groups is defined by the frequency and duration of aggressive and submissive response patterns each individual is involved in, and by the rank position of each individual in the status hierarchy. Social groups of rhesus monkeys have been established in large outdoor compounds with provision for undisturbed observation and capture as required. One group is essentially a breeding group at present whereas the second is an experimental group of thirty-four adult males. Status hierarchy information was collected following group formation and a complete profile of social and related activities was generated for each individual. Urine and blood samples were collected and endocrinological measures are being correlated against behavioral measures. The influence of females and seasonal factors on male hormone production has been studied and the hormonal consequences of combat defeat and depression have been studied. Operant stress conditions are also being assessed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 05, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0724697
Entities
People
- Irwin S. Bernstein
Organizations
- Emory University