Attachment - the role of the father

Question 1

What does Schaffer and Emerson (1964) suggest about the role of the father?

Answer 1

Baby can have multiple attachments including father
78% formed father attachment within 18 months (separation anxiety shown)
Babies attach to those that are most responsive

Question 2

What does Grossman et al (2002) suggest about the role of the father?

Answer 2

Longitudinal study (attachment studied from infancy to adolescence) - found quality of attachment in later relationships mediated by mother not father
Males more associated with play and stimulation to affect adolescent attachment

Question 3

What biological factors could explain the different roles of mother and father?

Answer 3

Oestrogen and oxytocin promote care and nurturing tendencies - emotional relationship
Testosterone promotes aggression - active play

Question 4

What social factors could explain the different roles of mother and father?

Answer 4

Eagly and Wood (1987) argued gender role division is social - cultural expectations that affect males’ behaviour (not to seem feminine)

Question 5

What does Field (1978) suggest will happen if the mother is absent?

Answer 5

Filmed 4 month old babies in interaction with primary mother, secondary father and primary father
Primary father spent more time smiling, imitating and holding than secondary fathers - fathers can be emotional when they’re the primary caregiver