Correlates of perception of helicopter parenting among college students

Abstract

Helicopter parenting refers to excessive involvement and over-protection by the parents in their children s lives, often seen through guidance, direction, and problem-solving assistance they provide. In the Indian context, the blend of Helicopter Parenting, traditional disciplining methods, and a sheltered upbringing can have harmful effects later in life. Considering the influence of Helicopter Parenting on young adults, the current investigation studies the relationship between Perception of Helicopter Parenting (Mother and Father) of 300 college students (150 males and 150 females) in the age range of 18-21 year with Academic Achievement, Psychological Well-Being, Life Satisfaction, Coping (viz. Active Coping, Social-Emotional coping Avoidance Coping), Anxiety, Depression and Stress among college students. To fulfil the objectives of the study, raw scores were analysed using Descriptive statistics consisting of mean, standard deviation and t test, Correlation analysis, 2X3 ANOVA and Linear Regression. . The results of the study revealed that Perception of Helicopter Parenting of Mother and Father was positively and significantly related with Use of Emotional Social support, Focus on and Venting of Emotions, Behavioural Disengagement, Mental Disengagement, Substance Use, Humor, Anxiety, Depression and Stress. It was negatively and significantly related with Academic Achievement, Psychological Well Being, Life Satisfaction, Active Coping, Planning, Acceptance, Positive Reinterpretation and Growth, Suppression of Competing Activities, Restraint, Use of Instrumental Social Support, and Religious Coping. The study underscores the complex and multifaceted effects of helicopter parenting on young adults, highlighting both its detrimental impact on mental health and its influence on coping behaviours and overall life satisfaction. newline