The Role of the Father

Question 1

What is research showing attachment to fathers?

Answer 1

• in Schaffer and Emerson’s study they concluded that in only 3% of cases the father was the only primary attachment figure and in 27% of cases the father was joint primary attachment figure
• they also found that 75% of babies formed attachment with father by 18 months showing that attachment to the father becomes increasingly important as they get older

Question 2

What is research showing distinctive roles for fathers?

Answer 2

• Grossmann et al (2002) carried out longitudinal study where babies attachments were measured into their teens
• he looked at quality of both parents attachments and concluded that attachment to fathers was less important than mothers
• however he found that the quality of father’s play changed quality of attachment showing that fathers’ roles are more about play and stimulation and less to do with emotional development

Question 3

What is research showing fathers as primary attachment figures?

Answer 3

• Field (1978) filmed 4-month-old babies in face to face interactions with primary mothers, secondary fathers and primary fathers
• primary fathers acted more like primary mothers e.g. smiling showing that fathers have the potential to be more emotion focussed but only express this when they are the primary attachment figure

Question 4

What is a strength of the role of the father in attachment?

Answer 4

• strength of real-world application in the form of offering advice to parents, allows mothers to not feel like they have to stay home as fathers can do the same job but also can help lesbian or single mother households that their children are not at a disadvantage for not having a father in the house

Question 5

What are 2 limitations of the role of the father in attachment?

Answer 5

• limitation of confusion over research questions as the question “what is the role of the father” sounds a lot more confusing than it actually is - whereas most researchers just want to explore the father as a primary or secondary caregiver
• limitation of conflicting evidence from Grossmann as he states that fathers as secondary figures have a very important and distinct role in development but those in fatherless households show no difference in development (McCallum and Golombok 2004)