Role Of The Father AO3

Question 1

✅ What did Lucassen et al. (2011) discover about the relationship between sensitivity and father-infant attachment?

Answer 1

Lucassen et al. (2011) conducted a meta-analysis using the Strange Situation technique and found that higher levels of sensitivity in fathers were associated with greater infant-father attachment security. This supports the idea that secure attachments are more likely to form when fathers are responsive and sensitive to their children’s needs.

Question 2

✅How can research on the role of fathers influence family court decisions?

Answer 2

Research showing that fathers can provide high-quality attachments (Grossman, 2002; Field, 1978) supports fathers in gaining joint or full custody of their children. This evidence demonstrates that fathers can offer important emotional and developmental support, challenging the traditional view that mothers should be the primary caregivers.

Question 3

❌ Why is there inconsistency in research on the role of the father in child development?

Answer 3

Research findings are inconsistent because some studies suggest that fathers are crucial for development, while others show no negative impact when fathers are absent. These conflicting results make it difficult to define the role of the father in child development with certainty.

Question 4

❌ What did MacCallum and Golombok (2004) find about children raised without a father, and why does this challenge the importance of fathers?

Answer 4

MacCallum and Golombok (2004) found that children raised in single-parent or same-sex parent families do not show significant differences in their development compared to children with a father present. This suggests that having a father may not be essential for healthy child development