The role of the father

• Can fathers form attachments with babies?

  Yes, but fathers are much less likely to become babies' first attachment figure compared to the mother.

  
  

  • In S&E's study, in only 3% of cases the father was the first sole object of attachment, and 27% of cases the father was the joint first.
  • However, by 18 months 75% of the babies studied formed an attachment with their father.
• Is the role that fathers play in development 'distinct' and important?

  Grossman et al - father-child attachments different to mother-child attachments.

  • Crucial in cognitive development.
  • Play from fathers no less important than the emotional nurturing from mothers
• Can fathers ever be primary attachment figures?

  They are able to adopt the emotional role more typically associated with mothers.

  • Tiffany Field - primary attachment fathers spent more time smiling and holding infants than secondary.