role of father in attachment

Question 1

explain schaffer and emerson findings (1964)

Answer 1

• fathers are less likely to be first and primary attachment than mothers
• most babies become attached to mother in first 7 months
• <5% of babies primary and first attachment is their father

Question 2

when do fathers form attachment with babies?

Answer 2

• become important attachment
• 75% of babies become attached to father by 18 months
• show separation anxiety

Question 3

the distinctive role of fathers

Answer 3

• grossman carried out study of baby and child attachment to parents
• looked at parent behaviour and quality of baby attachment to others
• quality of babies attachment with mothers not fathers related to adolescence
• suggest attachment to mother more important that father one

Question 4

grossman and father attachments

Answer 4

• found quality of father attachment who play with babies relate to adolescence attachment to
• suggest father have different role from mother
• more to do with stimulation and play rather than emotional

Question 5

primary attachment figures

Answer 5

these have special emotional significance and can effect future attachments

Question 6

evidence fathers can be primary attachment figures

Answer 6

• field filmed four month old babies babies with interaction with primary mother secondary father and primary father
• primary father and mother similar (more reciprocity and interactional synchronisation)
• fathers can provide responsive interactions require for emotional attachments in role of primary caregiver