The role of the father - Attachment

• What does psychological research into attachment emphasize?

  The importance of the relationship between the baby and their caregiver in the first years of life
• Who is often the primary caregiver for infants according to attachment research?

  The mother
• What question does the emphasis on the mother as the primary caregiver raise for psychologists?

  Where does this leave fathers?
• What is the typical order of attachment formation in infants?

  Infants tend to form an attachment with the mother first, then with others, usually the father next.
• At what age do attachments typically begin to form?

  Around 10 months
• What percentage of infants had formed an attachment with their father by 18 months?

  75%
• What do some researchers argue about fathers and attachment?

  Fathers are simply not equipped to form an attachment with an infant like a mother can.
• How do societal norms and expectations affect the role of fathers in attachment?

  They can discourage fathers from forming a close attachment due to stereotypes about masculinity.
• What biological factor is mentioned that may affect fathers' ability to form attachments?

  Differences in hormone levels, particularly lower levels of estrogen in men.
• What role is suggested for fathers in attachment according to some researchers?

  The role of a playmate rather than a caregiver.
• What did Geiger's 1996 research find about fathers' interactions with infants?

  Fathers' interactions were more exciting and focused on play compared to mothers' interactions.
• What did Tiffany Field's 1978 research reveal about primary caregiver interactions?

  Primary caregiver fathers and mothers engaged in more smiling and imitative behaviors than secondary caregiver fathers.
• What does the research suggest about the quality of the relationship in attachment?

  It is about the quality of the relationship rather than the gender of the caregiver.
• What did research by God natal in 2010 find regarding fathers and oxytocin levels?

  Fathers' oxytocin levels matched mothers' when they engaged in play with their child.
• What cultural aspect is important in understanding the role of fathers in attachment?

  Different cultures share parenting responsibilities in various ways, affecting attachment formation.
• What does the acronym WEIRD stand for in the context of cultural research?

  Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic
• How does the research by Schaefer and Emerson relate to the role of fathers?

  It highlights that the primary caregiver is typically the mother, with fathers usually being the next attachment figure.
• What conclusion can be drawn about the role of fathers in attachment based on the discussed research?

  The role of fathers is complex and influenced by both biological and cultural factors.
• What are the key findings regarding the role of fathers in attachment from the research discussed?

  • Fathers often play a more playful role compared to mothers.
  • Primary caregiver fathers can engage in nurturing behaviors similar to mothers.
  • Cultural differences influence the attachment roles of fathers.
  • Biological factors, such as hormone levels, affect caregiving abilities.
• What are the implications of the findings on attachment for understanding parenting roles?

  • Parenting roles are not strictly defined by gender.
  • Quality of interaction is crucial for attachment.
  • Societal norms can shape perceptions of caregiving.
  • Biological predispositions can be influenced by active engagement in parenting.
• The mother is usually more involved with her child than the father, but this does not mean that fathers are less important.