Personality in Capuchin Monkeys ( Sapajus apella )

Comparison of Assessment Methods and Constructs

Bibliographic Data

ID24214181
AuthorsAnnika Paukner (0000-0002-3421-1864, Nottingham Institute of Psychology Nottingham Trent University Nottingham UK), Lauren J Wooddell (0000-0001-6923-1219, Department of Neurosurgery Emory University Atlanta Georgia USA), Aurelie Jolivald (0000-0002-9440-4107, School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Science Nottingham Trent University Southwell UK)
Year2026
Volume88
Issue10
Pagese70214-e70214
Publication date2026-10-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Primatology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0275-2565 • E-ISSN: 1098-2345
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/ajp.70214
PMID42834798
OpenAlexW7220707319
LanguageEN
References cited44

Understanding personality in nonhuman primates is critical for advancing theories of individual differences, yet methodological variation remains a major challenge. We examined whether three commonly used approaches—questionnaire ratings, behavioral observations, and experimental tests—capture stable and overlapping personality constructs in 26 captive tufted capuchin monkeys ( Sapajus apella ). Using Bayesian multivariate mixed models, we retained individual variability to assess temporal stability, cross‐context consistency, and inter‐method convergence. Behavioral observations revealed conceptually coherent clusters related to stress, activity, and social engagement, but temporal stability was low. Novelty Tests produced associations suggestive of approach–avoidance and activity–focus dimensions, yet these clusters also lacked temporal stability. Questionnaire ratings showed partial convergence with observational data but not with novelty test data. Out of 39 predicted associations, only 4 were confirmed, highlighting weak cross‐method consistency. Housing conditions significantly influenced personality expression, whereas sex and age effects were minimal. These findings suggest that personality expression may be more context‐sensitive and multidimensional than is captured by any single assessment method, and that divergence across methods may reflect different aspects of personality rather than measurement error. Integrative, multi‐method, and longitudinal designs that incorporate multiple measures may help improve the interpretation of primate personality assessments.

Animal Behavior and Reproduction · Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies · Primate Behavior and Ecology

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