JOURNAL ARTICLE

Studies from University of the Witwatersrand Yield New Information about Anxiety Disorders (Precocial Weaning Influences Anxiety, Social and Maternal Care but Not Cognition in African Striped Mice, Rhabdomys dilectus chakae).

  • Published In: Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2026. P. 1186 1 of 2

  • Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

The article discusses research on anxiety disorders and their ecological implications, focusing on the effects of early weaning in African four-striped mice (Rhabdomys dilectus chakae). Conducted by the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, the study found that mice weaned at 12 days exhibited higher anxiety levels, reduced exploratory behavior, and altered social interactions compared to those weaned at later ages. While early weaning did not affect cognitive abilities, it led to significant changes in maternal behavior, potentially impacting the fitness of their offspring. The research highlights the importance of weaning age in understanding anxiety and social behavior in this species. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Mental Health Weekly Digest. 2026/02, p1186
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:1543-6616
  • Accession Number:191408032
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