The relationship between helicopter parenting and child depression and anxiety: A literature review
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Child and adolescent mental health have been a subject of increasing concern. Likewise, an emerging pattern of childrearing, known as helicopter parenting, has been gaining attention for its association with negative outcomes. This literature review investigates the relationship between helicopter parenting and children’s depressive and anxious symptoms. The review applies various theories, including parenting styles and self-determination, alongside considerations of early childhood experiences and cultural differences in childrearing. It draws on the current body of research regarding the impacts of such concepts to examine connections between helicopter parenting and child psychopathology. Overall, this literature review found that helicopter parenting impedes child autonomy and the development of strategies and skills that support resiliency. The synthesis of current literature will help support future research on helicopter parenting and child outcomes and provide practitioners with better insight into changing dynamics within parent-child relationships.
Author: Wong, Leah
Institution: University of Waterloo
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7134553025
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