Testing the anxiety reduction function of grooming interactions in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)

Molesti, Sandra and Majolo, Bonaventura (2012) Testing the anxiety reduction function of grooming interactions in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). In: ASAB Easter Conference 2012, April 2012, Aberystwyth University.

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Item Type:Conference or Workshop contribution (Poster)
Item Status:Live Archive

Abstract

Together with its hygienic and social function, grooming is thought to reduce anxiety. However, empirical evidence on the anxiety-reduction function of grooming is scarce. We collected 10-minute focal data on the donor and recipient of grooming using the post-grooming / matchedcontrol
(PG-MC) method. In these PGs and MCs sessions, we recorded the occurrence of selfdirected behaviours (i.e. scratching and self-grooming), which are behavioural indicators of
anxiety. We found mixed evidence of the relationship between anxiety and grooming interactions. The link between grooming and anxiety may be more complex than originally
thought.

Additional Information:Together with its hygienic and social function, grooming is thought to reduce anxiety. However, empirical evidence on the anxiety-reduction function of grooming is scarce. We collected 10-minute focal data on the donor and recipient of grooming using the post-grooming / matchedcontrol (PG-MC) method. In these PGs and MCs sessions, we recorded the occurrence of selfdirected behaviours (i.e. scratching and self-grooming), which are behavioural indicators of anxiety. We found mixed evidence of the relationship between anxiety and grooming interactions. The link between grooming and anxiety may be more complex than originally thought.
Keywords:grooming, anxiety, self-directed behaviour, macaque, scratching
Subjects:C Biological Sciences > C800 Psychology
C Biological Sciences > C300 Zoology
C Biological Sciences > C182 Evolution
Divisions:College of Social Science > School of Psychology
ID Code:5462
Deposited On:07 May 2012 16:09

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