The Impact of Helicopter Parenting on Emerging Adults in Higher Education: A Scoping Review of Psychological Adjustment in University Students

Abstract

This scoping review explored the recent literature on the relationship between helicopter parenting and psychological adjustment among emerging adults in a university setting. A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO to identify all original peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2024 in English that examined the association between helicopter parenting and indices of psychological distress among college students. Twenty-three studies were included in this review. Most of the studies were cross-sectional and were conducted in the USA and China. Helicopter parenting was significantly associated with increased anxiety, depression, and stress among college students. Factors such as self-efficacy, self-esteem, and autonomy mediate this relationship. Most studies predominantly included female participants, highlighting the need to investigate further the role of gender differences in the impact of helicopter parenting on university students’ well-being. These findings highlight the need for universities to develop targeted interventions and support systems that address the specific challenges faced by students who experience helicopter parenting. Parents should also be educated on the potential adverse effects of excessive control and involvement, and more balanced parenting approaches should be promoted to support university students’ mental health and autonomy. Future research should embrace more diverse cultural contexts, analyze the impact of global crises and new technologies, and use longitudinal designs with gender-balanced samples for deeper insights.