role of the father

Question 1

what is meant by the role of the father in attachment?

Answer 1

influence and contribution of fathers in a child’s attachment and development.

Question 2

What did Schaffer and Emerson find about the role of the father?

Answer 2

majority of infants formed primary attachment to mother first.
by 18 months, 75% formed attachment with father= secondary figure

Question 3

How does Grossman explain the father’s role in attachment?

Answer 3

conducted a longitudinal study- quality of infant attachment to father was less important in predicting later attachment security than with mother

Question 4

What did Field find about fathers as primary caregivers?

Answer 4

observed fathers who were primary caregivers and found they engaged in more sensitive and responsive interactions= fathers adopt nurturing role if they are primary figure

Question 5

how do biological factors influence role of the father?

Answer 5

Feeding: healthier start for infants- provides protection from illness
Hormonal differences: studies suggest oestrogen = caregiving behaviours, while fathers, who have lower levels, may focus more on stimulation and play rather than emotional bonding.

Question 6

weakness- how does research on the role of the father lack consistency?

Answer 6

diff studies focus on diff roles, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions= reduced reliability as findings lack consistency

Question 7

strength- why does research on the father’s role have real-world applications?

Answer 7

Understanding the importance of father-child attachment has encouraged policies that support paternal involvement= paternity leave and shared parental responsibilities in modern parenting

Question 8

strength- How does Grossman’s research support validity in studying the father’s role?

Answer 8

followed children into adolescence, showing that fathers’ involvement in play and stimulation influences later social competence- supports the external validity of his findings

Question 9

weakness- How does research on fathers ignore individual differences?

Answer 9

Some fathers play a nurturing role, while others focus on play and stimulation.
temperament, family structure, and work-life balance affect how involved a father is= difficult to apply universal conclusions.