4: Multiple Attachment: The Role of the Father

Question 1

Outline research into multiple attachments and the role of the father

Answer 1

most research into multiple attachments has focused on the role of the father, not just on their role as a secondary attachment figure, but even whether the father can act as a primary attachment figure.

Schaffer and Emerson found that fathers were far less likely to be primary attachment figures than mothers.
this may be because they generally spend less time with their infants (eg due to work demands or social stereotypes).
it has also been argued that men are generally less sensitive to infants’ cues than mothers.
nonetheless, men do form secure attachments with their children as in the case in single (male) parent families where men have been shown to be successful primary attachment figures.
in fact, research suggests that the father in a single parent family is more likely to adopt the traditional maternal role.

in many cases fathers take the role as a secondary attachment figure.
research has consistently highlighted the fact that fathers are more playful, physically active and generally better at providing challenging situations for their children.
a father is an exciting playmate whereas mothers are more conventional and tend to read stories to their children (Geiger 1996).
Woolett argued that the lack of sensitivity from fathers can be sen as positive because it fosters problem-solving by placing greater demands on children to effectively communicate.

Question 2

Outline research into multiple attachments and the role of the father: Strengths

Answer 2

P: evidence for role of father as a secondary attachment figure from Grossman (2002)
E: longitudinal study looking at parents behaviour and it’s relationship to the quality of children’s attachments into their teens
E: found that the quality of infant attachment with mothers but not fathers was related to children’s attachment in adolescence suggesting that father attachment was less important. however, the quality of fathers play with infants was related to the quality of adolescent attachment
L: suggests fathers do take more a playmate role

P: evidence for the role of the father as a secondary attachment figure from Geiger (1996)
E/E: was shown that fathers play interactions are more exciting and pleasurable, whereas mothers are more nurturing and affectionate
L: supports the idea of fathers being playmates rather than caregivers

Question 3

Outline research into multiple attachments and the role of the father: Limitations

Answer 3

P: argues that the father role is crucial for a child’s healthy development
E: has been found that children who grow up without fathers have often been seen to do less well at school and have higher levels of risk taking and aggression, especially in boys
E: this suggests that the father can help prevent negative developmental outcomes
L: therefore suggests that the role of the father has equal importance to the role of the mother in attachment
E: however, Pederson (1979) points out that most studies have focused on female single mothers from poor socio-economic backgrounds, so it may be that social factors related to poverty that produce these outcomes, not the absence of fathers

P: issue w research is that it considers the mother or father roles to be unequal
E: research assumes that only one parent provides the most valuable care for later development, when this may not be the case
E: Lamb (1987) found that children often prefer interacting w fathers whej in a positive emotional state and this seeking stimulation whereas mothers are preferred when children are distressed and seeking comfort
L: suggests that when a child has multiple attachments they seek the caregiver which provides them with the care to suit that specific need

+ research into the role of the father has affected the economy
on one hand, research dictating that fathers have an important role un attachments has led to pressure in the government to change rights for fathers in terms of paternity pay.
this means that fathers have more time off work while receiving statutory paternity pay which affects employers and the economy negatively.
on the other hand, research showing that fathers can be effective primary caregivers and form secure attachments with their infants mean that fathers could stay at home whilst the mother returns to work.
in situations where the mother earns a higher salary this could have a positive effect on the economy.

E
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