The Role Of The Father Flashcards
Research that suggests fathers are not important as attachment figures
-Schaffer and Emerson (1964)
-Bowlby
-Biological and social factors
-Grossman (2002)
What did Schaffer and Emerson (1964)find about the role of the father
-Findings: Most infants formed their first attachment with the mother (around 65% of cases). Only 3% formed it with the father first, and about 27% formed it jointly with mother and father.
-Conclusion: Fathers are less likely to be the primary attachment figure.
-Supports: Mothers or primary caregivers may be more important than fathers for early attachment formation.
What does Bowlby suggest about the role of the father
-Infants form one special attachment (monotropy), usually with the mother, because she is typically the primary caregiver.
-Fathers should provide an economic role rather than an emotional function- However he acknowledges their importance in serving as a playmate, encouraging exploration and independence.
How do biological factors help to explain why fathers seen as less important attachment figures
(Fathers lack the emotional sensitivity that women offer- due to biological and social factors.)
Biological
-Hormones (Oestrogen): Women produce more oestrogen, a hormone linked to nurturing behaviour and emotional responsiveness.
-Oxytocin: Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin is released during childbirth and breastfeeding, strengthening the emotional connection between mother and baby.
-Breastfeeding: Mothers’ ability to breastfeed promotes physical closeness and regular interaction, which helps build a stronger attachment.
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How do social factors help to explain why fathers seen as less important attachment figures
Social Factors:
-Traditional Gender Roles: Society traditionally views mothers as the main caregivers and fathers as playmates or providers, limiting fathers’ involvement in early caregiving.
-Maternity vs Paternity Leave: Mothers often receive longer leave from work, allowing more time to bond with their child, whereas fathers may return to work earlier.
-Cultural Expectations: In many cultures, it is more socially accepted for women to express emotional warmth, reinforcing their role as primary attachment figures.
What did Grossman (2002) find about the role of the father in attachment
– Longitudinal Study
-Findings: The quality of infant attachment with fathers was not related to children’s attachment in adolescence. However, the father’s play was linked to adolescent attachments.
-Conclusion: Fathers may be more important for play and stimulation than for emotional attachment.
-Supports: Fathers are not necessarily key for emotional security, unlike primary attachment figures.
Research that suggests that fathers are important as attachment figures
-Field (1978)
-Lamb (1987)
-Grossman (2002)
-Schaffer and Emerson
How does Field (1978) support the idea that the father plays an important role in attachment
Filmed 4 months ago old babies
-Findings: When fathers were the primary caregivers, they showed similar behaviours to mothers, such as holding, smiling, and imitating their infants, displaying interactional synchrony.
-Conclusion: Fathers can be just as nurturing and responsive as mothers when given the opportunity.
-Supports: It’s not the gender, but the level of involvement and sensitivity that determines attachment quality.
How does Lamb (1987) support the idea that the father plays an important role in attachment
-Findings: Children often seek out fathers when they are in a positive emotional state and want to play.
-Conclusion: Fathers provide a different, but still vital, role in attachment—focused on stimulation and play rather than comfort, playing the role of ‘play mate’
-Supports: Fathers are important for encouraging exploration, confidence, and social development.
How does Grossman (2002) support the idea that the father plays an important role in attachment
-Findings: The father’s play style and involvement were positively linked to the quality of adolescents’ later attachments.
-Conclusion: Although fathers may not be the primary attachment figure, their role in play has long-term benefits.
-Supports: Fathers have a distinct but valuable role in emotional and social development.
How do Schaffer and Emerson support the idea that the father plays an important role in attachment
-Findings: In a study of 60 infants, they found that while the mother was most often the primary attachment figure, around 75% of infants formed an attachment to their father by 18 months, shown by signs of separation anxiety. They also identified a multiple attachments stage, where infants formed bonds with several people, including fathers.
-Conclusion: Fathers may not be the first attachment figure, but they are often among the key secondary attachments formed in the first year of life.
-Supports: Fathers are important attachment figures within a broader attachment network and contribute to children’s emotional development, even if they are not the primary caregiver.
