Revival of the father-child attachment theory – in the context of existential theory and the principle of activation
Revival of the father-child attachment theory – in the context of existential theory and the principle of activation

Summary/Abstract: The basis of the theory of the father's role in child development conceived by us and presented in this discussion is the anthropology of Viktor E. Frankl. We want to offer an answer to the question – "How is the father-child relationship formed?" – defining the relationship as both the context and the means in which and through which the child learns. We assume that a long-term impact on child's development has a process in which the father-child bond is formed. Therefore, we do not understand fatherhood as static "existence", but we are inclined to dynamic understanding: through a relationship with and in relation to a child, a man as well as a woman are constantly "becoming" who they are supposed to be after the conception of the child – i.e. a father and a mother. In the same way, the child actively participates in the establishment and formation of the relationship. We assume that a higher quality of relationship is sensitivity – as a father's ability to estimate the limits of the child's ability. It is about the ability to perceive the child not as he/she is now, but as he/she can gradually become and sensitively help in the process of transformation – to a higher level of fulfilment of one's own potential.

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