Dimensions of response to novelty are associated with social engagement and aggression in adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
Erin L. Kinnally, H. J. Whiteman, W. A. Mason, S. P. Mendoza, J. P. Capitanio |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
aggression, impulsivity, novelty and social behavior, novelty and social behaviour, rhesus macaque |
ISBN: |
1939-2087 0735-7036 |
Abstract:
In this study, the authors tested the hypothesis that behavioral response across social and nonsocial, novel and familiar conditions may be guided by the same trait(s) related to impulsivity in adult male rhesus macaques. The authors assessed 23 individuals’ behavioral response to a series of nonsocial novel scenarios, as well as aggression and sociality within familiar and novel social contexts. Factor analysis of responses to nonsocial novelty identified two factors: Caution, which reflected latency to engage different novel situations, and Interest in Novelty, which consisted of duration and quality of exploration. Each dimension was associated with different social manifestations. Caution was negatively correlated with social aggression in novel and familiar social circumstances; Interest in Novelty was positively associated with social engagement in familiar, but not novel, social circumstances. The authors conclude that traits influencing impulsive response to novelty contribute to risky and normal social behavior across social contexts.