Role of father

• Findings of Schaffer’s and Emerson’s study

  • 3% of babies formed an attachment with the father first
  • 27% formed joint attachment with mum by 18 months 75% of babies have strong attachments with their fathers
• how did field conduct his research

  Filmed 4 month old babies, im face to face interactions with primary care givers (mothers), secondary caregiver (fathers) and primary care givers (fathers)
• What did fields study demonstrate

  Fathers can be emotion focussed, but only do so if they are the primary caregiver
• What question does the role of fathers in attachment raise for psychologists?

  Are fathers just supporting caregivers?
• At what age do infants typically form attachments?

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

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

  Fathers are not equipped like mothers
• How do societal norms affect fathers' roles in attachment?

  They portray caregiving as feminine
• What biological factor is mentioned that affects fathers' caregiving abilities?

  Hormone levels, especially estrogen
• What role does oxytocin play in attachment?

  It promotes bonding and reduces stress
• What is the effect of oxytocin during and after birth?

  It helps mothers bond with their child
• How do fathers typically interact with their infants compared to mothers?

  Fathers are more playful and exciting
• What did Geiger's 1996 research find about fathers' interactions?

  Fathers' interactions are more focused on play
• What did Tiffany Field's 1978 research reveal about primary caregivers?

  Quality of relationship matters, not gender
• What did God natal's 2010 research find about fathers' oxytocin levels?

  Fathers' levels matched mothers' levels
• What cultural aspect influences the role of fathers in attachment?

  Different cultures share parenting responsibilities
• What does the term "WEIRD" cultures refer to in attachment research?

  Western, educated, industrialized, rich, democratic
• How do some cultures differ in their approach to multiple attachments?

  They may have multiple caregivers from the start
• What is the implication of cultural differences on the role of fathers?

  The role of fathers is not straightforward
• What are the key findings about the role of fathers in attachment?

  • Fathers often play a more playful role
  • Primary caregiver status depends on relationship quality
  • Cultural differences influence attachment roles
  • Biological factors may affect caregiving abilities
• What are the societal and biological factors affecting fathers' roles in attachment?

  • Societal norms portray caregiving as feminine
  • Hormonal differences (testosterone vs. estrogen)
  • Oxytocin's role in bonding and caregiving
• What does the research suggest about the importance of oxytocin in fathers?

  • Oxytocin levels can match mothers' levels
  • It promotes bonding and reduces stress
  • Engaged fathers can develop nurturing behaviors