Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Harlow's concept refers to the idea that infants have a strong need for physical contact and comfort with their caregivers, which is essential for healthy emotional development.
Related terms
Attachment theory: This theory explores how infants form emotional bonds with their primary caregivers, emphasizing the importance of secure attachments for healthy development.
Maternal deprivation: This term refers to the absence or lack of a nurturing mother figure during critical periods in an infant's life, which can lead to negative developmental outcomes.
Separation anxiety: Separation anxiety is the distress experienced by infants when they are separated from their primary caregiver, typically peaking around 8-14 months of age.