Final answer:
Alan's concerns are valid as studies have demonstrated that social disruptions can lead to stress in primates, which in turn may weaken the immune system. The necessity of social comfort and the negative implications of chronic stress on immune health in primates are well-established in scientific research.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alan reluctantly decided to take a long-awaited trip to New Zealand, but is concerned about the well-being of his pet monkey left behind in a pet hotel. Given the extensive research on non-human primates and their responses to stress, it is understandable that Alan has concerns about the effects of social disruption on his monkey's health. Based on the studies mentioned, such disruptions could indeed have a negative impact on the monkey's immune system.
The necessity for early social contact and the adverse effects of isolation were highlighted in the Harlows' studies on rhesus monkeys. Their work emphasized that social comfort is of great importance, sometimes even more than food, for the healthy psychological development of monkeys.
Furthermore, the studies conducted by neuroscientists like Robert Sapolsky and Carol Shively indicate that chronic stress can have profound effects on primates' mental health and immune systems. Chronic stress has been shown to inhibit immune responses, leading to weakened immune systems.
Therefore, there is a possibility that Alan's monkey might experience stress due to being placed in a new social situation, especially if it's for a prolonged period, which could potentially affect its immune health. Researchers have consistently found that stress can lead to poor or weakened immune functioning.