Role of the father

Question 1

schaffer + emerson (1965)

Answer 1

Found fathers were more likely to be a joint attachment figure (27%), rather than an infants first attachment, 3%.

Question 2

Why is this?

Answer 2

They spend less time with their children.
They lack the emotional sensitivity needed to form an intense attachment.
Biologically, the female hormone oestrogen underlies caring behaviour making women more orientated towards the interpersonal goals than men.
Socially, sex stereotypes may affect male behaviour e.g. being sensitive to others may be viewed as a female trait.

Question 3

AO3

Answer 3

While some research suggests men are less sensitive to infant cues compared to mothers, otheres have found no gender differences.
Frodi et al (1978)- reported no differences in the physiological reactions of men + women when exposed to videos of infants crying.