Heart Rate Responses to Social Interactions in Free-Moving Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatto): A Pilot Study
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1999 |
Authors: |
Filippo Aureli, S.D. Preston, F,B.M. deWaal |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
heart rate, rhesus macaques, social interaction, telemetry |
Abstract:
Heart rate telemetry was explored as a means to access animal emotion during social
interactions under naturalistic conditions.Heart rates of 2 middle-ranking adult females living
in a large group of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatto) were recorded along with their
behavior.Heart rate changes during 2 types of interactions were investigated, while
controlling for the effects of posture and activity.The risk of aggression associated with the
approach of a dominant individual was expected to provoke anxiety in the approachee.This
prediction was supported by the heart rate increase after such an approach. No increase was
found when the approacher was a kin or a subordinate individual.The tension-reduction
function of allogrooming was also supported.Heart rate decelerated faster during the receipt
of grooming than in matched control periods.