Role Of The Father

Question 1

Who does the father refer to

Answer 1

The closest male
Not always biological

Question 2

What does schaffer and Emerson show in terms of the father

Answer 2

Only 3% of fathers were the primary caregiver
27% joint with mother

However by 18 months 75% have a strong attachment to father

Question 3

What was grossmans study role of the father

Answer 3

Do fathers have a distinctive role
Longitudinal study from baby to teen
Found fathers attachment isn’t essential for emotional development but the quality of play with the father is important for adolescent attachment s

Question 4

What was field research role of the father

Answer 4

Filmed babies interaction with primary mothers primary fathers and secondary fathers
Found primary fathers spend more time doing reciprocity and interactional synchrony than secondary fathers

Question 5

What are the limitations to the role of the father

Answer 5

Lack of clarity as to what role? Primary secondary?
Conflicting evidence - grossman says fathers are important for development but mccallum and golombrook studied lesbian parents and no difference in development

Question 6

What is the strength to the role of the father

Answer 6

Real world application - used to offer advice to parents over primary caregiver etc