The Role of the Father

Question 1

What did Schaffer & Emerson (1964) find about fathers as primary attachment figures?

Answer 1

Only 3% of babies had their father as the primary attachment figure.

Question 2

What percentage of babies form a secondary attachment with their father by 18 months?

Answer 2

75% of babies.

Question 3

What did Grossmann et al. (2002) discover about the father’s role in attachment?

Answer 3

It was linked more to play and stimulation than emotional security.

Question 4

How can fathers take on the role of primary caregiver according to Field (1978)?

Answer 4

By displaying nurturing behaviors similar to mothers.

Question 5

What factor is more important than gender in forming attachments?

Answer 5

The level of responsiveness from the caregiver.

Question 6

Why might fathers not have a distinct role in all family types?

Answer 6

Because of varied family structures, such as single-parent or same-sex parent households.

Question 7

What is the issue with research questions about the father’s role?

Answer 7

Different studies focus on different aspects, making conclusions unclear.

Question 8

How does conflicting methodology affect conclusions about the father’s role?

Answer 8

Some studies show father involvement matters, while others (e.g. McCallum & Golombok) find children develop similarly without fathers.

Question 9

What is a strength of research on the father’s role regarding parenting advice?

Answer 9

It encourages more equal parenting, reducing pressure on mothers and promoting family flexibility.

Question 10

How might bias in research impact findings about fathers?

Answer 10

Stereotypes (e.g., that fathers are less nurturing) may lead to biased observations and conclusions.