Fathers Are Helping, Mothers Are Hovering: Differential Effects of Helicopter Parenting in College First-Year Students

This study of first-year college students found that mothers’ helicopter parenting was associated with negative outcomes (i.e., greater depression, social anxiety), whereas fathers’ helicopter parenting was associated with positive outcomes (i.e., social competence, peer security, less depression). The findings shed more light on mothers’ and fathers’ unique roles throughout life.