Helicopter Parenting and Cell-Phone Contact between Parents and Children in College. Issue 2 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Lynne; Duran, Robert L.; Miller-Ott, Aimee E.
• Is Part Of: Southern communication journal. Volume 82:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 114
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Cell-phone rules -- cell phones -- closeness -- college students -- helicopter parenting -- overparenting -- satisfaction; Oral communication -- Periodicals; 302.224205
• DOI: 10.1080/1041794X.2017.1310286
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1041-794X

Abstract

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.