Role of the Father

• What did Bowlby say about the role of the father


  The father didn't have the role of being the primary caregiver - that was the mothers role
• Mothers are usually the primary attachment figure and fathers are usually a secondary attachment figure.

  • The primary attachment figure has a special emotional relationship with and affect on the infant
• Fatheres do not act as 'sensitivley' or engage in as much interactional synchrony and reciproity if they are the secondary attachment figure
• Sometimes fathers can be joint primary attachment figures (Schaffer and Emerson - some children had formed multiple attachments) When this occurs, they act is a similar way to mothers as primary attachment figures.
• Fathers have an important role through play with their child and it is though this helps to develop safe risk taking and exploration of the world, building confidence.