Role of the father

• Shaffer and emerson 


  fathers are mostly secondary attachment
• geiger 1996


  fathers interations are more exciting and mothers are more nurturing
• Grossman et al


  fathers time is more for play and stimulus
• Lamb 1987


  fathers are preferred when child is in positive state but mothers are preferred when distressed
• Hrdy 1999


  fathers are less suitable as prime attachment figure - lack oestrogen = less caring

  less likely to detect infant distress
• marital relationship can affect father infant interaction
• growing up without father = more aggressive and less likely to do well in school