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DT
03/12/2025
Psychology
AQA Psychology, Attachment, Essay 3: Describe and evaluate the role of the father in attachment.
619
•
3 Dec 2025
•
The Role of the Father in Attachment: AQA Psychology Model Essay
DT
@djt9
The Father's Role in Attachment
Forget what you think you know about dads - in attachment theory, a father is anyone who takes on that caregiving role, not necessarily the biological parent. Research shows that whilst infants typically turn to mothers for comfort and nurturing, they seek out fathers for play and excitement.
Schaffer and Emerson's research revealed something fascinating: 75% of infants formed attachments with their fathers by 18 months old. They could tell because babies showed separation distress when dad walked away. This makes fathers crucial secondary attachment figures - basically an emotional safety net alongside the primary caregiver.
Grossman's longitudinal study tracked families from infancy to adolescence and found something unexpected. The quality of attachment to mothers predicted teenage relationships, but with fathers, it was different. The quality of father's play was what mattered for later attachment quality, suggesting dads have a unique role focused on stimulation rather than just nurturing.
Here's the plot twist: Field's study showed that when fathers become primary caregivers, they adopt more typically "maternal" behaviours - more smiling, imitating, and holding. This proves that responsiveness matters more than gender in forming secure attachments.
Key Point: The role of the father isn't fixed by biology - it's shaped by the level of involvement and responsiveness they show.
Evaluating Father Attachment Research
The research on fathers throws up some proper contradictions that'll make your head spin. Grossman's findings suggest fathers play a significant secondary role, but other studies found that children in single-parent or same-sex households develop just as well as those with traditional two-parent setups.
This creates a right puzzle - if fathers are so important, why don't kids without them struggle more? Some research even shows that male children prefer fathers as attachment figures more than female children do, making the father's role seem inconsistent rather than universal.
There are serious ethical concerns with this research too. Studies suggesting fathers aren't essential could be devastating for dads fighting for custody rights or feeling uncertain about their importance. This socially sensitive research has real-world consequences that go way beyond psychology textbooks.
The good news? This research has brilliant real-world applications. It reassures parents that there's no "right" way to divide caregiving roles. Mums don't have to stay home, dads can absolutely be primary caregivers, and single-parent families can provide everything children need for healthy development.
Bottom Line: While the research is contradictory, it ultimately shows that love, responsiveness, and involvement matter more than traditional gender roles in parenting.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The Role of the Father in Attachment: AQA Psychology Model Essay
DT
@djt9
Ever wondered why you might go to your mum when you're upset but your dad when you want to mess about? The role of fathers in attachment isn't just about biology - it's about understanding how different caregivers meet different... Show more
The Father's Role in Attachment
Forget what you think you know about dads - in attachment theory, a father is anyone who takes on that caregiving role, not necessarily the biological parent. Research shows that whilst infants typically turn to mothers for comfort and nurturing, they seek out fathers for play and excitement.
Schaffer and Emerson's research revealed something fascinating: 75% of infants formed attachments with their fathers by 18 months old. They could tell because babies showed separation distress when dad walked away. This makes fathers crucial secondary attachment figures - basically an emotional safety net alongside the primary caregiver.
Grossman's longitudinal study tracked families from infancy to adolescence and found something unexpected. The quality of attachment to mothers predicted teenage relationships, but with fathers, it was different. The quality of father's play was what mattered for later attachment quality, suggesting dads have a unique role focused on stimulation rather than just nurturing.
Here's the plot twist: Field's study showed that when fathers become primary caregivers, they adopt more typically "maternal" behaviours - more smiling, imitating, and holding. This proves that responsiveness matters more than gender in forming secure attachments.
Key Point: The role of the father isn't fixed by biology - it's shaped by the level of involvement and responsiveness they show.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Evaluating Father Attachment Research
The research on fathers throws up some proper contradictions that'll make your head spin. Grossman's findings suggest fathers play a significant secondary role, but other studies found that children in single-parent or same-sex households develop just as well as those with traditional two-parent setups.
This creates a right puzzle - if fathers are so important, why don't kids without them struggle more? Some research even shows that male children prefer fathers as attachment figures more than female children do, making the father's role seem inconsistent rather than universal.
There are serious ethical concerns with this research too. Studies suggesting fathers aren't essential could be devastating for dads fighting for custody rights or feeling uncertain about their importance. This socially sensitive research has real-world consequences that go way beyond psychology textbooks.
The good news? This research has brilliant real-world applications. It reassures parents that there's no "right" way to divide caregiving roles. Mums don't have to stay home, dads can absolutely be primary caregivers, and single-parent families can provide everything children need for healthy development.
Bottom Line: While the research is contradictory, it ultimately shows that love, responsiveness, and involvement matter more than traditional gender roles in parenting.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Attachment
Most popular content in Psychology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user