The study, which was conducted by researchers in the Brigham Young University in Utah, discovered that children whose parents become over-involved in their lives are more likely to develop problems in later life.
Helicopter parenting, which is the term given to parents who choose to actively involve themselves in every single aspect of their offspring's life, can, according to researchers, play a role in a child's possible descent into risky behaviour.
Researchers suggest that intervening in your child's life or attempting to solve their problems hinders their progress, asserting: "Overall, stepping in and doing for a child what the child developmentally should be doing for him or herself is negative. Regardless of the form of control, it's harmful at this time period."
According to Professor Larry Nelson, this latest research only serves to reinforce the notion that such parenting can have a negative effect, saying: "From our past work, we thought there might be something positive about helicopter parenting under certain conditions, but we're just not finding it."
The study, which involved almost 500 students, suggested that 'helicopter' parenting may not be motivated by a child's best interest, with Professor Nelson going on to write: "With the contribution of this study, it is becoming increasingly clear that helicopter parenting a) in and of itself is not inherently warm, b) is not facilitative of emerging adults' development, and c) represents another form of control (besides behavioural and psychological control) that is linked to maladjustment in emerging adulthood."
Hoping to placate parents who are aware of their inclination to parent in this fashion, the researcher insisted they need not withdraw completely, saying: "Lack of control does not mean lack of involvement, warmth and support."
The study has been published in the journal of Emerging Adulthood.
