The 'pit of despair' experiment by Harlow; discovering the Core of Depression.

 Depression, a multifaceted and all-encompassing mental health disorder, has captivated the attention and worry of psychologists for quite some time. Among the various viewpoints, a significant perspective put forth by certain scholars delves deep into the very essence of depression. According to this perspective, depression is marked by intense emotions of isolation, powerlessness, and an overpowering sensation of being confined, comparable to being "immersed in a pit of hopelessness." 

In the realm of depression, solitude transforms into an emotional abyss, where individuals experience a disconnection from the world around them, even when surrounded by others. In the field of social psychology, we understand that emotions are crucial in establishing connections with others and humans are naturally inclined to be social creatures. This is not a unique trait to us; it is difficult to find any animal that does not place importance on regulating social behaviour. 

 The essence of depression emerges—one where loneliness, helplessness, and a profound sense of being trapped converge to create a psychological landscape fraught with emotional turmoil. By delving into the depths of these interconnected elements, we gain insights into the complexities of depression, At the core of depression lies an overpowering feeling of helplessness. Those who battle with depression often experience a sense of being immobilised, unable to navigate through life's obstacles.  The metaphor of being "a pit of despair" powerfully conveys the immense depths, seclusion, and confinement felt by those battling depression. It captures the emotional and mental hardships, portraying a haunting picture of a desolate, solitary, and restricted space where finding a way out feels unattainable.

The disturbing psychological test by Harry Harlow during the 1700s, he conducted initial studies on the impact of isolation by confining a monkey in a cage with steel walls and a one-way mirror. The experimenters could observe the monkey, but the monkey couldn't see outside. The only interaction the monkey had with the outside world was when the experimenters provided food, water, or changed the bedding. 

Harlow conducted an experiment where he isolated baby monkeys in a chamber for a maximum of six weeks. In just a matter of days, the monkeys ceased their movement and stayed huddled in one corner. Once removed from the chamber, it was discovered that the monkeys had developed psychosis, and the majority of them were unable to fully recover. 

After a month, the "total isolates" were discovered to be in a state of extreme distress: two of them refused to eat and eventually starved themselves to death. [4] Following a year of isolation, the monkeys displayed minimal movement, showed no interest in exploration or play, and were unable to engage in sexual activities. When introduced to other monkeys for a daily play session, they were subjected to severe bullying by their peers. To examine their parenting abilities, Harlow devised a device he referred to as a "rape rack," where female isolates were restrained in a position similar to that of a normal female monkey during impregnation. Artificial insemination was not yet developed during that time. He discovered that just as they were incapable of engaging in sexual activities, they were also unable to effectively care for their offspring, often abusing or neglecting them. 

"Not even in our most devious dreams could we have designed a surrogate as evil as these real monkey mothers were," he remarked. The lack of social experience rendered them unable to engage in proper social interactions. One mother forcefully pressed her baby's face against the ground and bit off its feet and fingers. Another mother crushed her baby's head. The majority of them completely disregarded their offspring. Through these experiments, Harlow observed the effects of complete and partial isolation on the development of monkeys. However, he believed that he had not fully captured the essence of depression, which he described as a state of loneliness, helplessness, and feeling trapped, like being "sunk in a well of despair."

In his writing, he expressed his inability to find a single monkey who could resist the effects of depression. Even the most cheerful primates were left scarred. His conclusion was that a content and ordinary upbringing was not enough to shield against this mental illness. There is no doubt his experiments were barbaric, uncalled for, and abusive but still encapsulates the human emotions of loneliness, alienation and desolation. 

I randomly stumbled upon some controversial psychological experiments and I'm curious to know what you think about them!