Helicopter parenting is similar to authoritarian parenting and psychological control in that it is high on control and low on granting autonomy. 

However, helicopter parenting is unique as it does not target the emerging adults’ emotional or psychological autonomy. 

Rather, helicopter parenting is characterized by behavioral control and excessive limiting of autonomy that is inconsistent with the age of the emerging adult child.

Saint Louis University

Parenting style in which the parent or caregiver stresses obedience, deemphasizes collaboration and dialogue, and employs strong forms of punishment. This style can create anxious, withdrawn, and unhappy children.

Authoritarian Parenting

Reed, K., Duncan, J. M., Lucier-Greer, M., Fixelle, C., & Ferraro, A. J. (2016). Helicopter parenting and emerging adult self-efficacy: Implications for mental and physical health. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(10), 3136–3149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0466-x

Helicopter Parenting and Emerging Adult Self-Efficacy

- Lower self-esteem & self-efficacy 
- Children become overly-needy (ex.  seeking a lot of attention, approval, and direction from others) 
- Utilize more ineffective coping skills
- Express higher levels of narcissism
- Lower levels of emotional well-being (ex. higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress) 
- Poorer academic adjustment

Disadvantages of Authoritarian Parenting 

A  parenting technique where parents attempt to control the child’s autonomy development through negative emotional interactions, which has been found to be associated with a variety of adverse outcomes, such as:
- Difficulty coping with stressful situations
- The use of avoidant coping behaviors
- Lowered self-worth
- Depression 
 - Anxiety

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