Infantile sexuality in monkeys

Abstract

Developmental patterns of sexuality for young male and female rhesus monkeys are illustrated. These patterns show oral, anal, and phallic components, in a manner reminiscent of Freud's postulated stages of human psychosexual development. Unequivocal sex differences exist at early ages. Significantly more pelvic thrusting is demonstrated by young males. Infantile female monkeys rarely exhibit male-type behavior, and males rarely exhibit responses of females. “Inappropriate” sexual posturing is seen in young monkeys prior to effective adult-type genital approximation. This is easily demonstrated by photographs taken during monkey “play periods.” Evidence is presented that a biological power exists which underlies a monkey's reproductive ends, independent of “training.” These findings may bear significance with respect to human sexuality.