Consolation Reduces Stress in Chimpanzees
Role of Close Friend in Calming may Indicate Empathy in Chimps
Further study will be needed to determine whether the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) offering consolation does so out of concern for the conflict victim or to reduce its own stress from the situation. If it is shown that the behavior is a result of concern for distressed animal, it may be the first indication that chimps are capable of feeling empathy.
Earlier Chimpanzee Social Behavior Research
The present study builds on the work of Jane Goodall, which showed that frightened chimps sought reassurance by touching or attempting to embrace a nearby family member or known friendly chimpanzee. But Goodall’s later observations of the violent nature of some chimp behavior, such as infanticide by females and ‘wars’ between groups of chimps led her to suggest that it was unlikely that chimpanzees were ever purely altruistic.
The Results of the Chimpanzee Consolation Study
In this latest study, chimps that had been involved in an incident with another chimp often began self-grooming and self-scratching, both of which are indicators of stress. These behaviors decreased or stopped when they were hugged, kissed or groomed by a trusted fellow chimpanzee, called a valuable partner.
The consolation behavior occurred more often when there was no reconciliation between the chimpanzees in conflict, leading the researchers to speculate whether reconciliation is the more desired result. Reconciliation, the repair of damage to the relationship between the animals involved in the altercation, would likely have the most benefit in terms of stabilizing group dynamics.
Great Ape Behaviors Need Further Study
The authors suggest that further study of consolation behavior should look at other situations where consolation occurs to better understand its function in chimpanzee behavior. They suggest that the information gained in this study suggests the possibility that chimps may experience empathy, the ability to identify with the feelings of another.
Observations of the behaviors of the closely related bonobo (Pan paniscus), which initially appeared to be the most peaceful of the great apes, has led to some simplistic categorization of the behaviors of the two species.
Bonobos were painted as hippie primates, gentle animals who indulge in sexual promiscuity as a way of preventing or resolving conflict. Meanwhile, the chimpanzee based on some of Jane Goodall’s observations, was labeled as highly aggressive.
Recently it was learned that bonobo hunt other primate species, leading scientists to suggest that they may not be as peaceable as they were originally portrayed. And the chimpanzee study suggests that chimps may not be as aggressive as some believe.
It is most likely that both chimpanzees and bonobos are exhibiting an array of behaviors based on the animal’s individual personality traits and the intricate balance of relationships needed to maintain a stable group social structure. Given that social structure it would not be surprising to find that the great apes are capable of experiencing empathy.
Other Sources:
Van Lawick-Goodall, Jane. In the Shadow of Man.1971. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA
Consolation Behavior in Chimps Reduces Stress
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