“Emotional Proximity” and “Spatial Proximity”: Higher Relationship Quality and Nearer Distance Both Strengthen Scratch Contagion in Tibetan Macaques

Abstract

Behavioral contagion has been defined as a phenomenon in which an unlearned behavior automatically triggers a similar behavior in others. Previous studies showed that a behavioral contagion might have the function of strengthening social relationships, promoting group coordination and maintaining social cohesion. However, so far, there are few studies investigating the correlation between contagious scratching and social bonding. Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) live in multi-male and multi-female cohesive matrilineal groups, and scratching is usually observed in their affiliated interactions. We investigated the process of scratch contagion in one group of free-ranging Tibetan macaques and explored whether behavioral contagion could consolidate social relationships and maintain social stability. Results showed that the scratching was contagious and correlated with relationship quality and spatial distance. In dyads with a higher Dyadic Composite Sociality Index (DSI), the contagion was strong. In addition, contagions occurred more frequently and faster among individuals nearer to each other. In terms of social groups, members with higher social centrality participated in more behavioral contagion, whether as expressers or observers. Our findings provide new perspectives for studying behavioral contagions in humans and animals.