The Relationship between Fathers Parenting Behavior and Adult Attachment

Abstract

Parenting behaviors are based on the Internal Working Model (IWM), which people acquire through attachment experiences in childhood. Bowlby and Ainsworth developed the fundamental model of childhood attachment. Later, researchers extended the original attachment theory and measures of adult attachment to study adult attachment bonds. The attachment styles of adults and their parenting behaviors are closely related. There is a connection between a parents adult attachment style and parenting style, as they have varying levels of demandingness in their IWM. Nonetheless, when fathers and mothers experience marital conflict or maltreatment, there is a difference between them. As most previous research concentrated on mothers, it is important to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between the fathers adult attachment and fathers parenting style, considering various marital factors. Father with an insecure adult attachment tend to adopt approaches of withdrawal or authoritarian control in parenting, especially in the case of conflict. A secure adult attachment of father is essential for the child to develop a secure attachment. A better understanding of the fathers parenting style can help improve family intervention programs. This review can provide some insights for future research regarding the role of father in a family.