The Role of the Father Flashcards
Who did Schaffer and Emmerson find was less likely to be a primary caregiver
Fathers, who were the primary caregiver in only 3% of cases
What is one possible reason why fathers may not be the primary caregiver on most occasions
Becasue they spend less time with the infants
What evidence goes against the view that fathers aren’t the primary caregiver because they spend less time with infants
Lamb reported that studies have shown little relationship between father accessibility (amount of time), and infant-father attachment
Why might men not be psychologically prepared to form intense attachments
They lack the emotional sensitivity women offer. This may be due to biological or social factors, such as the hormone oestrogen, which underlies caring behaviour in women
What hormone may be a reason why women are more likely to be primary attachment figures
Oestrogen
Why might social factors be a factor in the rates of attachment between infants and fathers
There is continued social and cultural expectations that affect men’s behaviours, such as the thought that it is feminine to be sensitive to the needs of others
Who provided evidence that time with infant doens’t affect the role of men
Lamb
Why is there conflicitng evidence as to the sensitivity of men to infant cues
Heerman et al found evidence that men are less sensitive to infant cues than mothers, however Frodi et al showed videotapes of infants crying and found no differences in the physiological responses of men and women
When do men form secure attachments with infants
In single (male) parent families. Research has found that in two parent homes where the man is the primary caregiver, both parents often share the role of primary attachment figure
What can be concluded as to the role of men as a primary attachment figure
Men can be primary attachment figures, but biological and social factors may discourage this.
Why might fathers play an important role even if they aren’t the primary attachment figures
They are important as secondary attachment figures. Research has consistently highlighted the fact that fathers are more playful, physically active and generally better at providing challenging situations for their children. This makes fathers more exciting playmates.
Why might it be better that fathers have a lack of sensitivity
It fosters problem solving by making greater communicative and cognitive demands on children
What evidence suggests that there are no distinct roles for attachment (Role of Father)
McCallum and Golombok found that children growing up in single or same-sex families didn’t develop differently from those in two-parent families. This undermines the idea that there are distinct roles
What is a real life application of research into the role of the father
If the father can be the primary attachment figure, this information should be shared in antenatal classes to ensure fathers play an equal role in childcare. Research can be used to improve the quality of care of infants and to strengthen attachment bonds.
Who suggested that there are no distinct attachment roles
McCallum and Golombok
Who found evidence that men are less sensitive to cues than women
Heerman
Who used videotapes of infants crying to assess the responses of men and women
Frodi
