Discussion Assignment #1

Father-Child Attachment
(8 pts)

First, read the supplementary reading #2 (Brown et al.), then respond to the following questions.

Note: responses to these questions MUST be word processed and turned in at the beginning of the class session in order for you to receive credit for the assignment. Please see guidelines for homework assignments on the assignment handout.

1) According to Brown et al., what does Bowlby's attachment theory predict about father-child attachment?

2) The authors distinguish between father involvement and the parenting quality in predicting father-child attachment. How are these constructs defined?  What aspects of fathering quality and involvement do the authors think will predict attachment?

3) Briefly summarize (paraphrase, in your own words!) the article, including:

• the study's purpose

• the sample studied and the methods used to collect data

• the main results of the study (not statistics used)

• the authors' conclusions (what is the "take-home" message here?)

4) Based on the results of this study, what recommendations might you make to new families about the importance of fathers in children's development?

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