Attachment, self-esteem, and socio-emotional adjustment: there is more than just the mother

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe study by Bureau, Deneault and Yurkowski (this issue) supports the developmental importance of preschool father-child attachment quality for child self-esteem and socio-emotional functioning in middle childhood. In this commentary article we reflect on these findings, highlighting interesting avenues for future research. First, we discuss the importance of investigating in greater depth the differential attachment functions and effects of mothers and fathers, and more in general, the pathways and developmental outcomes related to “secure base” and “safe haven” functions of parents. Second, we call for more research on how multiple relationships, including relationships with teachers as ad-hoc attachment figures and with peers, converge to impact child self-esteem and socio-emotional functioning. Third, we argue that attachment research in general, and research on father-child attachment in particular, has predominantly focused on individual differences in attachment quality. More research is needed on the normative development of father-child attachment.