Helicopter Parenting and Social Competence Among Single Malaysian Adults: Filial Piety as a Moderator

Abstract Overinvolved parenting, also known as helicopter parenting, is generally regarded as a violation of a child’s basic psychological needs, which may hinder their development of social competence. Yet, helicopter parenting behaviors may not be appraised negatively in cultures where filial piety is a salient influence in child socialization processes. The current study examined associations between perceived childhood experiences of helicopter parenting and five domains of social competence in adulthood, and whether these associations varied by reciprocal and authoritarian filial piety. Findings from a cross-sectional survey conducted with 394 single adults (25–40 years) in Malaysia revealed that helicopter parenting was negatively related to competence in relationship initiation, but only among individuals lower in reciprocal filial piety. Helicopter parenting was not associated with other domains of social competence. Given the significant role of culture in shaping perceptions of parenting behaviors and outcomes, promoting mutual respect and emotional closeness in parent–child relationships may enhance the relational well-being of single adults in Malaysia.