A comparative systems model of the regulation of maternal motivation in mammals

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1992
Authors:Pryce, CR
Journal:Animal Behaviour
Volume:43
Pagination:417-441
Date Published:1992
ISBN Number:0003-3472
Keywords:ARTIODACTYLA, Macaca mulatta, Ovis orientalis, PRIMATES, Rattus norvegicus, RODENTIA
Abstract:

A descriptive systems model that represents an integration of the existing evidence for the regulation of maternal motivation in diverse mammals is presented. It attempts to demonstrate a high degree of unity between taxa in terms of the processes involved, and to provide a predictive basis for future studies of the regulation and dysfunction of maternal behaviour in any species, including humans. In accordance with previous systems models, maternal motivation is envisaged as the outcome of interaction between external, in this case, infant stimuli, and the internal state of the (female) organism in terms of the central factors that process such stimuli. In the model these internal factors are referred to collectively as the central state of maternal arousability. The evidence relating to the regulation of maternal behaviour in the rat, Rattus norvegicus, sheep, Ovis aries, and rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta, representing the diverse orders of Rodentia, Artiodactyla and Primates, respectively, is reviewed. In each of these mammals, the most studied in terms of causation of maternal behaviour, maternal arousability is considered to constitute four maternal arousability factors: attraction and anxiety, which both make a positive contribution, aversion and novelty-fear, which both make a negative contribution. Each maternal arousability factor is responsive to specific forms of infant stimuli, while all the sensory systems are involved in the female's total processing of infant stimuli. Two forms of infant stimuli are proposed: passive and active. Passive stimuli are non-behavioural and constitute olfactory/gustatory cues and the majority of visual cues; active infant stimuli constitute infant facial expressions, and tactile and auditory cues. It is proposed that the central state of maternal arousability is determined by (1) central levels of the hormones that also control the onset of birth and lactation, (2) genital stimulation that occurs at birth and induces central changes in sensory mechanisms, (3) experience obtained with infants during ontogeny, at birth and postnatally, and (4) synergistic interaction between (1), (2) and (3) at birth. The level of each maternal arousability factor is determined by extant hormonal levels and maternal experience. The level of maternal aversion arousability specifically is also determined by genital stimulation. This motivational system ensures that female mammals are maximally responsive to infant stimuli at parturition, both in terms of the behaviour they demonstrate and what they learn about infant stimuli for recall during subsequent mother-infant interactions.

URL:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003347205801022
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Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith