Abstract
[Modifications of the Behaviour of Cebus Apella During a Motivational Conflict in Captivity]
Behavioural conflict often occurs in nature, since stimuli linked to different types of motivation are perceived simultaneously by the animal. This conflict is resolved in different ways, i.e., by the inhibition of behaviour, by redirected or displacement activities. A conflict between two motivations, was studied in captivity, with four monkeys Cebus apella. This conflict is produced by opposing alimentary motivation and the fear of being enclosed in a limited area (small cages). Starvation gave rise to an increase in locomotor activity and in the search for food This behaviour which could express the animal’s frustration was replaced during the conflict by displacement and redirected activities (scratching). The stereotypies which were already present to a great extent during the observations “control”, disappear during the conflict and reappear subsequently to a greater extent, expressing an amplified frustration.