Overparenting Harms: The Effect of Overparenting on College Students' Depression and the Underlying Psychological Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined the longitudinal association between overparenting and depression among college students and explored the underlying psychological mechanisms by testing core self‐evaluation as a mediator and perceived social support as a moderator. Background Although prior research has documented a positive association between overparenting and depression among college students, most existing evidence is cross‐sectional, and the psychological mechanisms underlying this relationship remain insufficiently understood. Method Two studies were conducted ( N = 2563). Study 1 employed a three‐wave cross‐lagged panel design with 12‐month intervals among 378 college students to examine longitudinal associations between overparenting and depression. Study 2 used cross‐sectional data from 2185 college students to test a moderated mediation model, with core self‐evaluation as a mediator and perceived social support as a moderator. Results Study 1 showed that overparenting significantly predicted subsequent depression, with a bidirectional association for maternal overparenting and a unidirectional effect for paternal overparenting. Study 2 indicated that core self‐evaluation mediated the association between overparenting and depression, and this indirect effect was moderated by perceived social support, such that higher perceived social support buffered the negative impact of overparenting. Conclusion Overparenting is associated with higher levels of depression among college students, whereas core self‐evaluation and perceived social support function as protective factors. Implications Reducing overparenting may help mitigate depression among college students by promoting positive core self‐evaluations. Interventions and educational initiatives should reduce overparenting and foster supportive environments that enhance emerging adults' social support and psychological resources.