Role of the Father

Question 1

Hormonal differences

Answer 1

Hormonal differences: low levels of oestrogen and oxytocin, lacking emotional sensitivity and high levels of testosterone, promoting aggression

Question 2

Schaffer & Emerson (1964)

Answer 2

The father is rarely the primary attachments figure (3%). 75% of babes formed an attachments to their father by 18 months (showed separation anxiety)

Question 3

Grossman (2002)

Answer 3

Father acts as a playmate (more physically active, playful, problem solving skills)

Question 4

Strengths of the role of the father

Answer 4

• Research support for role of playmate (eg. Geiger found fathers had more exciting interactions, mothers more nurturing)
• Biologically different to mother (eg. Hardy found fathers less able to detect low levels of infant distress due to lack of oestrogen)

Question 5

Limitations of the role of the father

Answer 5

• Fathers can form secure attachments (eg. Field found fathers as primary figures smile, imitate and comfort. Key is responsiveness not gender)
• Cultural expectations (eg. Traditional gender roles suggest fathers shouldn’t act nurturing)