Simian Solicitude: Like Humans, Chimpanzees Console Victims of Aggression
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 17:30
in Psychology & Sociology
Chimpanzees may comfort others in distress in ways very similar to how people do, according to what may be the largest study of consolation in animals by far. The new findings in our closest living relatives could help shed light on the roots of empathy in humans.The spontaneous consolation of someone in distress with a hug, a pat on the back or other friendly display of physical contact has been studied in human children as a sign of sympathetic concern for others for decades. This kind of demonstrative empathy is often thought to be a large part of what sets humanity apart from other animals. [More] Human - Somatosensory system - Physical intimacy - Organizations - Victims
