Fathering and the separation-individuation process.

Abstract

Empirical evidence supports the belief that fathers play a significant role in the development of children. The father is becoming a more visible participant in physical care (feeding, diapering, and bathing) and the emotional life of the infant. Father-infant interactions have resulted in early formation of attachment to the father, but later than with the mother. Separation anxiety is reduced if the father-infant interactions have been qualitatively satisfactory to the infant. Father-infant interactions have a definite effect on the infant's progression through the separation-individuation process as described by Mahler and Abelin. The father's behavior toward the infant, particularly during the practicing subphase, enhances ego autonomy, differentiation, and individuation. According to Abelin, completion of the separation-individuation process may be impossible for the mother and the child if the father does not interact with the child. In view of this deduction, the writer concludes that special effort should be made by child and health care workers to encourage fathers' involvement with their very young children. Also, further investigation is needed in order to identify specific father-infant interactions that might facilitate the separation-individuation process.