# Consolation **Domain:** Primatology / Care **Doc Type:** Concept Node **Maturity:** Developed ## Definition **Consolation** is affiliative contact or support offered after distress, conflict, fright, or loss to help another individual regain social and emotional stability. ## Mechanism and Practice Observations of chimpanzees consoling distressed group members place the roots of this behavior deeper than human convention. Communities preserve resilience when they make comfort and reconnection available after disruption. ## Relationships - **Related concepts:** [[wiki/Human Animality|Human Animality]] · [[wiki/Social Support|Social Support]] · [[wiki/Reconciliation|Reconciliation]] ## Simple Reminders, Quotations, and Thoughts > “Primatologist Frans de Waal documented chimpanzees comforting group members after a fight or a fright, an ancient form of consolation. Humans carry the same impulse, and a community that consoles its members keeps everyone steadier. Leaning on others during a hard stretch is natural and wise.” > **— Bryant McGill**, *Dated Full Capture — The Productive Rhythm of Action and Incubation - Livestream (Mar 2016)* [[reminders/Human Animality/Consolation Is Ancient and Human by Bryant McGill|Consolation Is Ancient and Human by Bryant McGill]]