The Relationship between Helicopter Parenting and Identification in Adolescents in Tehran with the Mediating Role of Autonomy: A Descriptive Study

Background and Objectives: Parenting is considered as one of the significant concepts in the fields of clinical psychology and family therapy.With the emergence of helicopter parenting in parenting styles, and to examine the mechanism of this variable's effect on identity status, the present study investigated the mediating effect of autonomy in the relationship between helicopter parenting and identification style. Materials and Methods:This study was a descriptive-correlational research.A total of 207 high school students from Tehran Province, in 2023, were selected using convenience sampling and completed questionnaires on helicopter parenting, autonomy, and the four identity statuses.Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation test and path analysis. Results:The relationships between helicopter parenting and autonomy (r=-0.400),helicopter parenting and identity styles (acquired, r=-0.346;recorded, r=0.362; identity interruption, r=0.267 and chaotic, r=0.337), and autonomy and identity styles (acquired, r=0.203; recorded, r=-0.154;identity interruption, r=-0.196 and chaotic, r=-0.166) were confirmed with a significance level of less than 0.01.The indirect path coefficients for all four identity styles were found to be significant (p<0.01),confirming the mediating effect.Additionally, direct path coefficients were also found to be significant (p<0.05). Conclusion:Based on the findings of the present study, it appears that helicopter parenting, by limiting adolescents' autonomy, can hinder identity development.Therefore, it is suggested to develp interventions aimed at increasing adolescents' autonomy, as well as educational packages to raise awareness among families regarding helicopter parenting.