role of the father

Question 1

What are the 6 AO1 points you must know for role of the father?

Answer 1

-Schaffer and Emerson (1964)
-Role as a Secondary Attachment Figure
-Grossman (2002)
-Fathers as Primary Caregivers
-Sensitivity, Not Gender
-Varied Role of Fathers

Question 2

What did Schaffer and Emerson (1964) find about father-infant attachments?

Answer 2

Most infants formed attachments with mothers first, but by 18 months, 75% also showed attachment to their fathers.

Question 3

How are fathers typically involved in early attachment?

Answer 3

Fathers are often secondary attachment figures, usually forming attachments later and engaging more in play than nurturing.

Question 4

What did Grossman (2002) discover about the father’s role?

Answer 4

The quality of fathers’ play, not emotional care, predicted attachment strength in adolescence, showing their role in play and stimulation.

Question 5

Can fathers be primary caregivers?

Answer 5

Yes—research (e.g., Field, 1978) shows fathers can adopt maternal behaviours like nurturing and responsiveness when acting as primary caregivers.

Question 6

What is more important in attachment—gender or sensitivity?

Answer 6

Sensitivity. Studies show the caregiver’s responsiveness is more crucial for attachment than whether they are male or female.

Question 7

Why is the role of the father considered varied?

Answer 7

It’s influenced by culture, personality, and family structure, meaning there is no single, fixed role for fathers in attachment.