Role Of The Father

Question 1

What did Schaffer find out about fathers as caregivers?

Answer 1

Infant’s primary attachment figure, 65% mother alone, 30% both, 3% father alone

Question 2

What did Schaffer find at 18 months?

Answer 2

75% of infants formed attachment with father, showing separation anxiety - fathers okay important role in infants lives

Question 3

What’s the role of the father in active play?

Answer 3

• father’s seen as playmate and engage babies in active play more consistently than mothers
• interactions emphasise stimulation - role to encourage risk-taking behavior compared to comforting style of mothers

Question 4

What is the role of the father as primary caregivers?

Answer 4

• modern western society - mothers more likely to work
• if men take role of primary caregiver, their interactional style changes to be more like mothers, increasing their capacity for sensitive responsiveness

Question 5

AO3 playmate - point

Answer 5

Research evidence that provides support for role of father as playmate

Question 6

AO3 playmate - evidence

Answer 6

Geiger (1996) - father’s play interactions more exciting in comparison to mothers - more affectionate/nurturing

Question 7

AO3 caregiver - point

Answer 7

Fathers able to form secure attachments if in an intimate or close marriage

Question 8

AO3 caregiver - evidence

Answer 8

Belsky (2000) - makes who reported higher levels of martial intimacy also displayed a secure father-infant attachment. Lower had insecure