Severe Food Deprivation Research Articles

The effect of food deprivation on intergroup relations in rhesus monkeys

Behavior between two enclosed social groups of Macaca mulatta was studied during conditions of normal food ration, and under severe food deprivation. Agonistic behavior decreased under deprivation while nonagonistic behavior increased. Overall frequency of intergroup interactions decreased. The results with respect to aggression are comparable to studies of intragroup behavior. The increase in nonagonistic behavior may be a fundamental difference from the intragroup response to food shortage.

Food deprivation and reactivity to shock

Thirty-two albino rats, under no deprivation or under severe food deprivation, were given 10 series of 12 different shock intensities, using the method of constant stimuli. Their reactions were classified into several categories. For the vocalization category, thresholds were significantly higher for the deprived group while no differences were obtained on flinch or jump thresholds.