Still Mother after All These Years: Infants Still Prefer Mothers over Fathers (If They Have the Choice)

Peter Zimmermann, Laura Elise Mühling, Lucie Lichtenstein and Alexandra Iwanski
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Peter Zimmermann: Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
Laura Elise Mühling: Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
Lucie Lichtenstein: Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
Alexandra Iwanski: Department of Psychology, University of Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany

Social Sciences, 2022, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-16

Abstract: Fathering and mothering have changed in many ways within the last decades. Earlier studies showed a clear hierarchy in infant attachment figures with a preference for mothers. This study examined whether infants in the 21st century still prefer mothers over fathers in their expression of attachment behaviors, whether differences in parental involvement still exist, and whether this will result in differences in attachment security to mother and father. A total of 50 German families with infants between 10 and 19 months were observed in an experimental setting and during home visits. Parents reported on their involvement. The results revealed a clear hierarchy with regard to the duration of attachment behaviors directed towards mothers, followed by fathers and strangers. Mothers reported to be more involved in child care on weekdays compared to fathers. Involvement was not associated with attachment variables. Attachment security to mother and father was positively related and did not differ significantly. Infants in the 21st century in a Western country still prefer mothers over fathers in their expression of attachment behaviors. Mothers were more involved in child care than fathers. However, these differences did not result in differences in attachment security to mother and father.

Keywords: mother attachment; father attachment; involvement; attachment behavior; attachment security; AQS; early childhood (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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