The Role of the Father

Question 1

Outline Grossman’s study into the role of the father

Answer 1

Grossman (2002)
- longitudinal study, found that:
~ attachment to mothers in childhood is correlated with adult attachment
~ attachment to fathers in childhood is not correlated with adult attachment
~ attentiveness of play w father is correlated with adolescent attachment
= suggests fathers play qualitatively different role still crucial in child’s well-being - play vs emotional support

Question 2

Outline Field’s study into the role of the father

Answer 2

Field (1978)
-recorded 4 month old babies in face to face interactions w/:
- primary caregiver mother
- primary caregiver father
-secondary caregiver father
= found that PCG mother + fathers interactions were identical in terms of interactional synchrony and reciprocity
= suggests key to attachment is responsiveness and PCG ≠ always mother

Question 3

Give strengths of research into role of father

Answer 3

Positive impact on economy –> Field’s study removes pressure from working mothers, allowing them to return to work sooner
Research support from Geiger supports idea of fathers role in play (play interactions found to be more exciting vs more nurturing in mothers)

Question 4

Give weaknesses for research into the role of the father

Answer 4

Counter evidence –> same sex couples raise functional children, implying role of the gathering isn’t significant
Unclear mechanism as to why fathers cannot form primary attachment –> biology or gender stereotypes?
Observer bias –> gender stereotypes may cloud objectivity of recall