A01

• While mothers typically become babies' initial attachment figures, fathers gradually establish attachments, with 75% forming bonds by 18 months. The quality of attachment to fathers may hold less weight in later relationships compared to maternal attachment quality.

  However, it was found that fathers contribute uniquely to development, particularly through play and stimulation. Research has noted that the quality of fathers' play correlated with adolescent attachment quality, similar to a mother’s emotional attachment, indicating a distinct paternal role.
• Primary attachment figures hold special emotional significance, shaping future relationships. Research suggests that fathers, when primary caregivers, exhibit emotional engagement similar to mothers, nurturing attachment through reciprocity and interactional synchrony. Thus, fathers possess the potential to fulfil the emotionally-focused primary attachment role, enhancing responsiveness crucial for bonding, especially in caregiving contexts.