An Evolutionary Concept Analysis of Helicopter Parenting

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Helicopter parenting is an emerging concept as a way of rearing adolescents and adult children. However, helicopter parenting from a nursing perspective has not been elucidated. Therefore, we undertook a concept analysis to understand the attributes, antecedents and consequences of helicopter parenting in the context of nursing. METHODS: Using Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis, we analyzed literature on helicopter parenting to discover critical attributes, antecedents, and consequences of this phenomenon. Data were collected from seven electronic search engines. Twelve studies matching inclusion criteria were reviewed RESULTS: Three core attributes of helicopter parenting were hovering, highly deep involvement, and proxy decision making. The antecedents and consequences were retrieved from three important domains including social, parent, and child aspects. Surrogate terms were black hawk, hummingbird, and hovercraft parenting, and related terms were stealth fighter and Kamikaze parenting. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, helicopter parenting has both positive and negative effects on both children and parents. To enhance the positive effects, measurement tools for helicopter parenting and nursing interventions on parenting need to be developed.