The Negative Influence of Overparenting on Intimate Relationships among Emerging Adults

Abstract

Overparenting (helicopter parenting) is a trend that has been associated with negative outcomes among emerging adults. Previous scholars have highlighted the increased demand for psychological services for emerging adults, especially college students. Catholic philosophy and theology provide valuable and fundamental insights into the nature and goals of the human person that can enrich psychological findings. Three hypotheses were proposed: (a) overparenting is related to underdeveloped coping skills and social learned helplessness due to insufficient zones of proximal development from Vygotsky’s (1978) developmental theory integrated with Catholic teachings on the human person, family life, and human flourishing; (b) overparented emerging adults are more likely to struggle to establish and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships; and (c) overparented emerging adults are more at risk for anxiety, depression, risk behaviors, and poor college adjustment. Through the integration of Catholic philosophy and theology, a meta-synthesis of research about overparenting, emerging adulthood, college mental health, and interpersonal relationships indicated support for all three hypotheses. Recommendations for treatment, the study’s limitations, and potential future research directions are discussed.