The Role of the Father

• What was Bowlby's view on the father's role in parenting?

  Minor parenting role
• What did Schaffer & Emerson (1964) find about fathers as attachment figures?

  75% formed attachment to father by 18 months
• What is the distinctive role of fathers according to Grossman (2002)?

  • Linked to play sensitivity
  • Better predictor of attachment type
  • Role as playmate, not nurturer
• What type of study did Grossman conduct in 2002?

  Longitudinal study
• How does a father's role in attachment differ from a mother's role?

  Fathers are linked to play sensitivity
• What did Field (1978) observe about primary caregiving fathers?

  More smiling, imitating, holding
• What does sensitive responsiveness in fathers suggest?

  It can develop when acting as main caregiver
• What is a strength of the research on the role of the father?

  • Real-world application
  • Reassures fathers can be primary caregivers
  • Reduces parental anxiety
  • Encourages shared parenting roles
• What did Geiger (1996) suggest about fathers' interactions?

  Play interactions are exciting but not nurturing
• What conflicting evidence exists regarding the role of fathers?

  • Role varies by methodology
  • Grossman: Important in child development
  • McCallum & Golombok: Similar development in single-mother families
  • Unanswered question: distinctive role
• What limitation is associated with the research question on the role of the father?

  Lack of clarity in defining the role
• What are the two roles mentioned regarding the father's attachment role?

  Attachment role vs. secondary attachment role