Role of father

Schaffer and emerson

Father was less likely to be primary attachment caregiver. (37% were attachment figures)

Field

Father could be Primary caregiver.

• 1) mother primary

• 2) father primary

• 3) father secondary

Primary father caregiver showed more signs of smiling, imitating etc.

Grossmann

Fathers have a distinctive role.

44 families, longitudinal study.

Findings: Mothers attachment linked to future relationships but fathers are needed for stimulation and play.

Limitations

1) Doesn’t take into account same sex parents or single fathers.

2) Role of fathers are too complex, grossman studies play whilst field studies them as a caregiver.