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The Relationship Between Helicopter Parenting and Fear of Negative Evaluation in College Students

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Abstract

This study examines the relationship between self-reported levels of helicopter parenting, fear of negative evaluation (FNE), and autonomy in college students. In this study, 86 college students from 17 to 21 years of age completed surveys measuring helicopter parenting, FNE, and autonomy. After controlling for gender differences in FNE, increased levels of student-reported helicopter parenting predicted increased levels of FNE. The relationship between helicopter parenting and FNE was fully mediated by reduced feelings of autonomy. A key reason why helicopter parenting is associated with increased FNE is because students feel less able to make independent decisions. One way to support college students’ well-being may be to encourage and support student autonomy.

Highlights

  • After controlling for gender differences in Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE), increased experiences with helicopter parenting predicted increased levels of students’ reported FNE.

  • Increased helicopter parenting was associated with decreased feelings of autonomy in undergraduate college students.

  • The relationship between helicopter parenting and students’ FNE was fully mediated by reduced feelings of autonomy.

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  1. Department of Psychological Science, Albion College, Albion, MI, USA

    Viktoria M. Carr, Andrea P. Francis & Mareike B. Wieth

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Carr, V.M., Francis, A.P. & Wieth, M.B. The Relationship Between Helicopter Parenting and Fear of Negative Evaluation in College Students. J Child Fam Stud 30, 1910–1919 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-01999-z

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