Lesson 3: Multiple Attachments and The Role of the Father

Question 1

What did Schaffer and Emerson find out about multiple attachments?

Answer 1

Schaffer and Emerson found that for the majority of babies their mother is their primary attachment figure. At around 8 months, they form secondary attachments to other family members, including their father. 75% of infants studied had formed an attachment with their father by the age of 18 months.

Question 2

The role of the father-why is the father less likely to be the primary attachment figure?

Answer 2

• Maybe bcs they less more time with their infants or they are not as psychologically equipped to form intense attachments. Women biologically have more emotional sensitivity.
• Oxytocin in females underlies caring behaviour so women are more orientated to interpersonal goals.
• Could be due to societal norms- stereotypes in some cultures- feminine to be sensitive to needs of others.
• Researchers found father fulfils a qualitatively different role- provide play and stimulation to complement role of mother, who provides emotional support. Fathers role considered just as crucial to childs wellbeing.

Question 3

Evaluation of the role of the father- 2x case studies

Answer 3

• (+) Field (1987) compared primary caregiver mothers to secondary caregiver fathers. Analysed face-to-face interactions from videos of infants at 4 months of age. Fathers engaged more in game playing and held infants less. Primary caregiver fathers behaviour was similar to mothers. Demonstrates flexibility in role of father
• (-) Grossman (2002) found early attachment to mother was a better predictor of what the teenage relationship was like than the early attachment with father. Seems father is less important to later development than mother in terms of nurture. However, if father engaged in active play with the child when they were young, the adolescent relationship with BOTH parents strengthened

Question 4

Evaluation of the role of the father- 2x other points

Answer 4

(-) Inconsistency in the research as to the importance of the role of the father. Research investigating the effects of growing in a single female or same-sex parent family show there is no effect on development, and therefore suggests the role of the father is not important.

(-) Research questions whether father plays a distinct role. Studies show the father in a single parent family is more likely to adopt the traditional maternal role and can be their child’s primary attachment figure.