Schaffer & Emerson and the Role of the Father

Question 1

Role of Mother

Answer 1

Infants turn to mothers for comfort and nurturing

Question 2

Role of Father

Answer 2

• Infants turn to father for play
• Fathers generally better at providing a challenging situation for their child
• Fathers excite children, encourage them to take risks and keep them safe at the same time
• Provide a secure environment for them to learn bravery

Question 3

Infant-father Attachment: Schaffer & Emerson (1964)

Answer 3

• Secondary attachment (usually to father) forms in 75% of infants by 18 months
• We can see separation anxiety