Predictors of father-infant attachment security in a Portuguese sample

Abstract

A growing literature shows that fathers play a critical role in their children's development and mental health. However, few studies have evaluated fathers as caregivers and attachment figures, particularly across cultures. We address this gap by investigating specific predictors of infant-father attachment patterns during the first year postpartum and their links to infant-father attachment at 12 months. The sample included Portuguese father-infant dyads who were recruited at the infant's birth and followed longitudinally to 12 months. At 3 and 9 months, dyads were observed during free play and the Face-to-Face Still-Face paradigm (FFSF). Fathers also reported on their involvement in daily caregiving activities. At 12 months, father-infant dyads were observed in Ainsworth's Strange Situation paradigm (SSP), and fathers reported on their parenting stress. Results showed that multiple infant and paternal variables were associated with secure attachment at 12 months, including a social-positive regulatory pattern exhibited in the FFSF at 9 months, greater paternal sensitivity and less control, and more infant cooperation, during free play at 3 and 9 months, and greater paternal involvement in specific caregiving activities at 9 months. Fathers of infants with a disorganized attachment were less involved in play interactions at 3 and 9 months, and their infants exhibited less cooperative behavior and were more likely to display an inconsolable regulatory pattern during the FFSF. Results of binary logistic regression indicate that 9-month paternal sensitivity and control predicted secure attachment. This study confirms the uniqueness of father-infant relationships.