Primate Psychology

Edited by Dario Maestripieri

ISBN 9780674018471

Publication date: 09/06/2005

In more ways than we may sometimes care to acknowledge, the human being is just another primate--it is certainly only very rarely that researchers into cognition, emotion, personality, and behavior in our species and in other primates come together to compare notes and share insights. This book, one of the few comprehensive attempts at integrating behavioral research into human and nonhuman primates, does precisely that--and in doing so, offers a clear, in-depth look at the mutually enlightening work being done in psychology and primatology.

Relying on theories of behavior derived from psychology rather than ecology or biological anthropology, the authors, internationally known experts in primatology and psychology, focus primarily on social processes in areas including aggression, conflict resolution, sexuality, attachment, parenting, social development and affiliation, cognitive development, social cognition, personality, emotions, vocal and nonvocal communication, cognitive neuroscience, and psychopathology. They show nonhuman primates to be far more complex, cognitively and emotionally, than was once supposed, with provocative implications for our understanding of supposedly unique human characteristics. Arguing that both human and nonhuman primates are distinctive for their wide range of context-sensitive behaviors, their work makes a powerful case for the future integration of human and primate behavioral research.

Praise

A magnificent and important book. Maestripieri has created an authoritative synopsis of a growing and contentious research field that for too long has been hyper-dispersed among narrowly conceived literatures and academic departments. The authors put the current work on the psychology of human and nonhuman primates in historical perspective and also show us the latest developments and controversies. Primate Psychology should be required reading for academic researchers and science popularizers who have studied the evolution of human personality, emotion, and intelligence.

—Sue Boinski, University of Florida
In this pathbreaking book, the editor and contributors look at primate behavior from a body of theory that was developed through the study of humans...Twenty-nine leading specialists examine a tremendous range of topics. Bravely conceived and well executed, this edited volume will go a long way toward uniting a field that in the past has been hopelessly fragmented within the academic isolation of many different departments and journals.

—F. S. Szalay, Choice
Primate Psychology is a fascinating update of this field of research, written by 29 specialists. It deals with humans as well as other primates, a rare integration, and is enlightening when looking at social processes such as parenting. The editor, Dario Maestripieri, has included papers that point out gaps in our knowledge: for example, what has and has not been studied in conflict resolution among primates.

—Maggie McDonald, New Scientist
Primate Psychology is a fascinating update of this field of research, written by 29 specialists. It deals with humans as well as other primates, a rare integration, and is enlightening when looking at social processes such as parenting.

—New Scientist