Helicopter Parenting and Cell-Phone Contact between Parents and Children in College

Abstract

Using relational dialectics theory as the organizing framework, this study examined helicopter parenting and cell-phone contact among college students (N = 529). Participants had more cell-phone conflict, engaged in more avoidance, and had more rules about cell-phone contact with high- compared to low- and, in some cases, moderate-helicopter mothers. Participants with high-helicopter fathers reported more father-initiated contact and cell-phone conflict than moderate- or low-helicopter fathers. Those with moderate- and high-helicopter fathers reported more rules about cell-phone contact but also higher closeness and relational satisfaction than those with low-helicopter fathers. Overall, participants differed on autonomy–connection issues with their mothers and fathers.