The role of the farther

• Historically fathers are seen as secondary caregivers and mothers primary however research shows that fathers can also become a primary caregiver to a child
• Schaffer and Emerson (1964) research of 60 infants found that the majority formed a primary attachment to the mother first. However by 18 months 75% of infants formed a. Attachment to the farther as babies protested when their fathers walked away
• Tiffany field study found when fathers are the primary caregiver they adopt behaviours traditionally associated with the mother such as being more nurturing and increased reciprocity to child's needs this shows that attachment is less about gender and more about responsiveness and sensitivity to child's needs
• Tiffany field filmed 4 month of babies in face to face interactions with

  Primary caregiver mothers and fathers and secondary caregivers farther

  She found primary caregiver mothers and fathers spent more time imitating and smiling and holding babies than secondary caregiver fathers

  This suggests that fathers are able, if required, to take on the more caring, nurturing role usually associated with the mother.
• Grossman 2002 conducted a longitudinal study that father's role is more important in play and the quality of child's play with father is linked to good quality adolescent attachment
• Some researchers claim that men are not equipped to form an attachment. The hormone oxytocin underlies caring behaviour in women and the lack of estrogen is why men are unable to form close attachment Other researchers argue that fathers do not take on a caregiver role and in fact provide a different role asa playmate. Some researchers argue that fathers can demonstrate sensitive responsiveness and respond to the needs of their children and therefore can forma strong emotional bond just as a mother can
• What is one strength of research into the role of the father?


  It can be used to offer advice to parents.
• What decision do parents and prospective parents sometimes agonize over?

  Who should take on the primary caregiver role.
• What concern might mothers have regarding their role in the family?


  They may feel pressured to stay home due to stereotypical views of mothers.
• What pressure might fathers face in the context of parenting?


  They may be pressured to focus on work rather than parenting.
• How can research into the role of the father benefit parents?


  It can provide reassuring advice to parents.
• What can lesbian-parent and single-mother families be informed about the absence of a father?


  Not having a father around does not affect a child's development.
• What is one outcome of providing parents with information about the role of the father?


  Parental anxiety can be reduced.
• What is the role of the father in parenting according to research?


  Fathers can be primary attachment figures.
• How does societal pressure affect mothers and fathers differently?


  Mothers may feel pressured to stay home, while fathers may feel pressured to work.
• What are the two perspectives researchers may have regarding the father's role in attachment?


  Father as a secondary attachment figure and father as a primary caregiver
• What does more recent research emphasize about fathers' roles compared to mothers' roles?


  Fathers have a distinct role that is different from mothers
• What role do Grossman et al (2002) suggest fathers have in child development?


  Fathers have an important and distinct role involving play and stimulation
• What did McCallum and Golombok (2004) find regarding child development in different family structures?


  Children do not develop differently across family structures
• What does the finding by McCallum and Golombok imply about the role of fathers?


  The question of whether fathers have a distinctive role remains unanswered
• What conclusion can be drawn about families without fathers based on the study material?


  Families can adapt to not having a father
• What is one strength in the role of the father according to the study material?

  Fathers in intimate marriages can form secure attachments with their children.
• How does marital intimacy affect father-infant attachments?


  Males with higher levels of marital intimacy have secure father-infant attachments.
• What does the research by Belsky et al (2009) suggest about the relationship between fathers and their children?


  The intensity of the attachment is influenced by the relationship with the mother.
• How can this research educate parents regarding their child's development?

  It highlights the importance of creating a secure and loving home for their child.
• What did Verissimo et al (2011) find regarding the father-child relationship?


  They found a significant positive correlation between the quality of the father relationship and the number of friends their child has at preschool.
• What is the role of fathers in intimate marriages?


  Fathers can form secure attachments with their children.