Who Benefits from Hovering? Gender, Disability, and Self-Efficacy

• In Event: 054 - Section on the Sociology of the Family Roundtable Session (one-hour).
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 10. Family Strengths and Challenges

Abstract

The phenomenon popularly referred to as helicopter parenting refers to an over-involvement of parents in their children’s lives. Research has shown that the concept and its consequences can be empirically measured (LeMoyne & Buchanan, 2011). Existing research focuses on negative consequences. In this project, we examine the consequences of helicopter parenting for males compared to females on self-efficacy. Furthermore, we examine how the helicopter parenting interacts with gender and certain diagnoses on its impact. Using a sample of white students at a university in the United States (N=228), we find that that helicopter parenting does not negatively impact the self-efficacy of males. It is only negative for females. Finally, when ADHD and/or depression/anxiety are factored in, this divergent gender impact becomes more apparent. Men, particularly those with specific disabilities, benefit from helicopter parenting while the opposite is true for women. This is an intriguing finding given all the negative press surrounding helicopter parenting. Possible implications are discussed.

Authors

• Tom W. Buchanan, Mount Royal University

• Terri LeMoyne, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga