Chimpanzees' Post-Conflict Behavior: Affiliation with Aggressors
Author Information
Author(s): Teresa Romero, Miguel A. Castellanos, Frans B. M. de Waal
Primary Institution: Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University
Hypothesis
Does bystander affiliation toward aggressors reduce their aggressive tendencies?
Conclusion
Bystander affiliation toward aggressors reduces their aggressive tendencies and may serve as an alternative to reconciliation.
Supporting Evidence
- Affiliation toward aggressors was more likely when previous opponents had failed to reconcile.
- Male bystanders provided appeasement more often than females.
- High-ranking male aggressors received more appeasement than female aggressors.
Takeaway
When chimpanzees see a fight, some of them go to the bully to be friendly, which helps calm the bully down and stop more fighting.
Methodology
The study analyzed 3,003 aggressive conflicts and post-conflict interactions among chimpanzees using Generalized Linear Mixed Models.
Limitations
The study did not address the social role of bystanders in detail.
Participant Demographics
The study involved two groups of chimpanzees, including multiple adult males and at least twice as many females, with individuals at least 10 years old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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