The Effects of Helicopter Parenting on University Students’ Psychological Well-Being
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35365/cjhs.26.1.05Keywords:
Helicopter parenting, Psychological well-being, University students, Parenting stylesAbstract
This study aims to review the literature examining the effects of recent changes in parenting approaches on the psychological development of young adults. A systematic review methodology was employed, and the study selection and evaluation process was conducted using the PRISMA Flow Diagram. The findings indicate that helicopter parenting is significantly associated with university students' psychological well-being. In particular, overly intrusive parental attitudes were found to increase students’ anxiety levels, weaken their sense of self-efficacy, and negatively affect the development of autonomy. However, there is also evidence suggesting that an appropriate level of parental support can enhance academic adjustment and psychological resilience. In this context, one of the increasingly discussed concepts in the literature is helicopter parenting, which is defined as a parenting approach characterized by parents’ intense involvement in their children’s academic, social, and personal lives. Overall, the reviewed studies suggest that helicopter parenting is related to university students’ psychological well-being in various ways. Specifically, excessive parental involvement may influence key psychological variables such as anxiety, self-efficacy, and autonomy development. On the other hand, some studies indicate that parental support can contribute positively to students’ academic adjustment processes. In conclusion, helicopter parenting may have multifaceted effects on the psychological development of university students, and maintaining a balance between parental support and individual independence appears crucial. The findings were evaluated within the framework of the existing literature and interpreted accordingly.
References
Alsancak‑Akbulut, C., & Kömürcü‑Akik, B. (2024). Helicopter parenting, autonomy support, and young adults’ psychological adjustment in Turkey: The mediating role of psychological control. Current Psychology, 43(29), 24355–24364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06107-0
Anderson, S. E., & Sabatelli, R. M. (2022). Parenting and emerging adulthood outcomes. Journal of Adult Development, 29(2), 95–107.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-021-09386-3
Arslan, G., ve Satıcı, S. A. (2022). Üniversite öğrencilerinde psikolojik iyi oluşun yordayıcıları olarak sosyal dışlanma ve yalnızlık. Psikolojik Danışma ve Rehberlik Dergisi, 12(64), 85-102.
https://doi.org/10.17066/tpdrd.1071235
Booth, A., Sutton, A., & Papaioannou, D. (2022). Systematic approaches to a successful literature review (3rd ed.). Sage.
https://doi.org/10.4135/9781529716671
Bradley-Geist, J. C., & Olson-Buchanan, J. B. (2014). Helicopter parents: An examination of the correlates of over-parenting of college students. Education + Training, 56(4), 314–328. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-10-2012-0096
Cui, M., Darling, C. A., Coccia, C., Fincham, F. D., & May, R. W. (2019). Indulgent parenting, helicopter parenting, and well-being of parents and emerging adults. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 28(3), 860–871.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-01314-3
Darlow, V., Norvilitis, J. M., & Schuetze, P. (2017). The relationship between helicopter parenting and adjustment to college. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(8), 2291–2298. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0751-3
Fingerman, K. L., Cheng, Y.-P., Wesselmann, E. D., Zarit, S., Furstenberg, F., & Birditt, K. S. (2012).
Helicopter parents and landing pad kids: Intense parental support of grown children. Journal of Marriage and Family, 74(4), 880–896.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2012.00987.x
García, F., Serra, E., Zacarés, J. J., & García, O. F. (2022). Parenting styles and socialization outcomes in adolescents and young adults. Psychosocial Intervention, 31(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5093/pi2021a18
Givertz, M., & Segrin, C. (2014).
The association between overparenting and emerging adults’ self-efficacy, psychological entitlement, and family communication. Communication Research.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650212456392
Hong, M.-H., & Doh, H.-S. (2018). Effects of helicopter parenting on depression in female emerging adults: Examining the mediating role of perfectionism. Korean Journal of Child Studies, 39(6), 143–158. https://doi.org/10.5723/kjcs.2018.39.6.143
Hong, P., & Cui, M. (2020). Helicopter parenting and college students’ psychological maladjustment: The role of emotion regulation. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(6), 1629–1640.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01717-7
Karaçam, A., & Pulur, A. (2016). Beden eğitimi öğretmenlerinin başarı algısı, akademik iyimserlik, psikolojik iyi oluş ve fiziksel saygı düzeylerinin incelenmesi. Uşak Üniversitesi Eğitim Araştırmaları Dergisi, 3(1), 1–23.
https://doi.org/10.29065/usakead.232430
Karaşar, B., & Öğülmüş, S. (2016).
Social support and psychological well-being in adolescents: The mediating role of autonomy. Current Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-016-9535-3
Karakaya, Y., & Ümmet, D. (2022). Üniversite öğrencilerinde psikolojik iyi oluş: Ana babaya bağlanma ve duyarlı sevgi değişkenlerine göre bir inceleme. Elektronik Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 21(84), 1495–1507. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.1086941
Kins, E., & Beyers, W. (2010). Failure to launch, failure to achieve criteria for adulthood? The role of autonomy development in emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 33(5), 743–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2009.12.001
Kocayörük, E., & Şimşek, Ö. F. (2016).
Parental attachment and autonomy as predictors of psychological well-being among Turkish adolescents. The Journal of Psychology.https://doi.org/10.1080/00223980.2015.1016123
Korkmaz, O., ve Kabasakal, Z. (2016). Üniversite öğrencilerinin öznel iyi oluşlarının yordayıcısı olarak psikolojik sağlamlık ve öz-duyarlık. Ege Eğitim Dergisi, 17(2), 522-544. https://doi.org/10.12984/egeefd.280683
Kouros, C. D., Pruitt, M. M., Ekas, N. V., & Sunderland, M. (2017). Helicopter parenting and college student mental health. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26(3), 939–949. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0614-3
Kwon, K. A., Yoo, G., & Bingham, G. (2022). Helicopter parenting and self-regulation. Journal of Family Psychology, 36(4), 567–577.
https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000978
La Rosa, V. L., Ching, B. H., & Commodari, E. (2025). The impact of helicopter parenting on emerging adults in higher education: A scoping review of psychological adjustment in university students. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 186(2), 162–189. https://doi.org/10.1080/00221325.2024.2413490
Lee, J., & Kang, S. (2018). Perceived helicopter parenting and Korean emerging adults’ psychological adjustment: The mediational role of parent–child affection and pressure from parental career expectations. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27(11), 3672–3686. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1193-2
LeBlanc, J. E., & Lyons, S. T. (2022).
Helicopter parenting during emerging adulthood: Consequences for career identity and adaptability. Journal of Adult Development.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-022-09418-5
LeMoyne, T., & Buchanan, T. (2011). Does helicopter parenting increase risk-taking behavior? Journal of Child and Family Studies, 20(4), 399–407. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-010-9391-5
Liu, J., Wang, Y., & Chen, X. (2023). Parenting and psychological adjustment across cultures. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1123456.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1123456
Love, H., May, R. W., Cui, M., & Fincham, F. D. (2020). Helicopter parenting, self‑control, and school burnout among emerging adults. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(2), 327–337.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826‑019‑01560‑z
Lopez, F. G., & McEwan, B. (2022). Cultural context and parenting styles. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 53(4), 312–328.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00220221221085764
Luebbe, A. M., Mancini, K. J., & Kiel, E. J. (2018). Helicopter parenting and anxiety in college students. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27(11), 3601–3611. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1209-6
Nelson, L. J., Padilla-Walker, L. M., & Nielson, M. G. (2020). Is helicopter parenting harmful? Emerging Adulthood, 8(2), 104–112.
https://doi.org/10.1177/2167696818779396
Odenweller, K. G., Booth-Butterfield, M., & Weber, K. (2014). Helicopter parenting and relational outcomes. Communication Studies, 65(4), 407–425. https://doi.org/10.1080/10510974.2013.811434
Özer, Ö., ve Özkan, M. (2017). Yaşam doyumu, öznel iyi oluş ve psikolojik dayanıklılık arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi. Akademik Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 5(45), 329-341. https://doi.org/10.16990/ASOS.12217
Öz, S., ve Erdoğdu, M. Y. (2021). Helikopter ebeveyn tutumu ile psikolojik iyi oluş arasındaki ilişkide öz-belirleme kuramının aracı rolü. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, 13(Ek 1), 145-162.
https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.846312
Padilla-Walker, L. M., & Nelson, L. J. (2012). Black hawk down? Helicopter parenting in emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 35(5), 1177–1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.03.007
Peterson, G. W., Bush, K. R., & Supple, A. J. (2020). Parenting and self-efficacy in emerging adulthood. Journal of Family Issues, 41(5), 653–676. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192513X19888968
Pistella, J., Izzo, F., Isolani, S., Ioverno, S., & Baiocco, R. (2020).
Helicopter mothers and helicopter fathers: Validation of the helicopter parenting instrument. Psychology Hub, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.13133/2724-2943/16900
Quan, X., & Sun, J. (2024). Negative life events and college students’ adjustment: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of grade. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, Article 1265870. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1265870
Rousseau, S., & Scharf, M. (2018).“I will guide you” – The indirect link between overparenting and young adults’ adjustment. Journal of Adult Development.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-018-9301-2
Reed, K., Duncan, J., Lucier-Greer, M., & Ferraro, A. (2016). Helicopter parenting and self-efficacy. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(10), 3136–3149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0466-x
Rote, W., Olmo, M., Feliscar, L., Jambon, M., Ball, C., & Smetana, J. (2020).
Helicopter parenting and perceived overcontrol by emerging adults: A family-level profile analysis. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29, 1–16.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-020-01824-z
Schiffrin, H. H., Liss, M., & Erchull, M. J. (2014). Helping or hovering? Helicopter parenting and well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23(3), 548–557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9716-3
Schwartz, S. J., Zamboanga, B. L., Meca, A., & Ritchie, R. A. (2011).
Identity around the world: An overview of identity development in emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.11.001
Segrin, C., Woszidlo, A., Givertz, M., Bauer, A., & Murphy, M. (2013). Overparenting and entitlement. Family Relations, 62(2), 237–252. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2012.00729.x
Sönmez, A., & Gürbüz, B. (2022). Üniversite öğrencilerinde serbest zaman doyumu ile üniversite yaşamına uyum ilişkisinin incelenmesi. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 10(20), 481–502.
https://doi.org/10.18009/jcer.1120672
Snyder, H. (2019). Literature review as a research methodology: An overview and guidelines. Journal of Business Research, 104, 333–339.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.07.039
Tepebaş, B., & Poyraz, C. (2024). Algılanan helikopter ebeveyn tutumları ve kendini sabotaj arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi: Üniversite öğrencileri üzerinde bir araştırma. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 24(2), 1229–1250. https://doi.org/10.17240/aibuefd.2024..-1349697
van Ingen, D. J., Freiheit, S. R., & Vye, C. (2015).From helicopter parenting to overparenting: Examining the association with emerging adults’ well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(7), 1911–1920.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-014-9995-3
Vigdal, J. S., & Brønnick, K. K. (2022). A systematic review of helicopter parenting and its relationship with anxiety and depression. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 872981. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872981
Yam, F. C., & Kumcağız, H. (2021). Helikopter anne tutumları: Üniversite öğrencilerinin yaşam doyumları ve psikolojik iyi oluşları üzerindeki yordayıcı rolü. OPUS Uluslararası Toplum Araştırmaları Dergisi, 17(35), 1946–1967.
https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.784171
Yalçın, A. F. (2024). Genç yetişkinlerde sosyal bağlılık ile psikolojik iyi oluş arasındaki ilişkide kendini ayarlamanın aracı rolü. Ulusal Eğitim Dergisi, 4(12), 20251. https://doi.org/xxxxx
Yılmaz, H., ve Arslan, C. (2020). Helikopter ebeveyn tutumu ile üniversite öğrencilerinin psikolojik iyi oluşları ve öz-yeterlikleri arasındaki ilişki. Eğitim ve Bilim, 45(203), 321-338. https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2020.8540
Yılmaz, Y., et al. (2025). Helicopter parenting and young adults’ self-determination and fear of intimacy. Frontiers in Psychology.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1432859
Wang, Q., Pomerantz, E. M., & Chen, H. (2021). The role of parental control in academic stress. Developmental Psychology, 57(6), 889–901.
https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0001190
Wieland, D. M., & Kucirka, B. G. (2020). Helicopter parenting and the mental health of iGen college students. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 58(5), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20191210-01
Williams, L. R., & McGillicuddy-De Lisi, A. V. (2021). Parenting styles and motivation. Journal of Adolescence, 88, 35–47.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Hilye Yıldız, Alanur Gökçen, Gamze Naz Küçükaslan, Ayhan Çakıcı

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.