Role of the Father

• What is the significance of the father's role in attachment?

  Initially less important, but develops over time
• What did Field's research suggest about fathers?

  Fathers can adapt to sensitive responsive roles
• What did Riso's research find about father attachment?

  Strong attachment to fathers predicts socialization success
• Why is research on fathers socially sensitive?

  It affects perceptions of single and gay parents if it suggest mothers cannot be replaced
• What are the economic implications of fathers' roles in attachment?

  Could lead to changes in maternity and paternity leave
• What are the implications of research findings on attachment for parents?

  • Parents may feel pressured to conform
  • Can affect self-perception as caregivers
  • May lead to changes in parenting practices
• What did Schaffer find?

  Infants primary attachment figure was frequently mother lone and only 3% father alone.

  However, at 18 months, 75% o infants had formed an attachment with their father showing separation anxiety - father's play an important role in their infant's life
• Role of the Father?

  To provide Active play.

  Father's interactions emphasise on stimulation and so it is thought as their role to encourage risk-taking behaviours, compared to comforting style of mothers.
• Role of the father - Primary CAREGIVER

  In modern society, mothers are more likely to be in workplace and there is evidence suggesting that if men take on the role of the primary caregiver, their interactional style changes to be more like mother's.

  Increases their capacity for sensitive responsiveness.