Journals / Research on Education and Psychology / 2026 / Volume: 9 Issue: 1

The Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility and Social Comparison in the Effect of Perceived Helicopter Parental Attitudes on Life Satisfaction

Okan Yılmaz(NECMETTIN ERBAKAN UNIVERSITY)0000-0002-5213-9042
Tolga Seki(NECMETTIN ERBAKAN UNIVERSITY)0000-0001-5594-0786
Pages
—
Publication Date
2025-06-24
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Research findings indicate that a helicopter parenting style indirectly influences individuals' life satisfaction via cognitive flexibility and social comparison.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The aim of the study is to examine the mediating role of cognitive flexibility and social comparison in the effect of perceived helicopter parenting attitudes on life satisfaction.
📊
Key Findings & Data:The study group consisted of 453 young adult participants between the ages of 18-30 in Türkiye.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Research findings indicate that a helicopter parenting style indirectly influences individuals' life satisfaction via cognitive flexibility and social comparison.
🔬Design:Survey & Empirical Study
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Cognitive flexibility · Helicopter parent · Parental attitudes

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the mediating role of cognitive flexibility and social comparison in the effect of perceived helicopter parenting attitudes on life satisfaction. The study was conducted in accordance with the relational survey model. The study group consisted of 453 young adult participants between the ages of 18-30 in Türkiye. Descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were used to analyze the data. According to the research findings, the direct effect of helicopter mother attitude on life satisfaction was found to be insignificant, but the indirect effect was found to be significant. Helicopter mother attitude was positively related to social comparison and negatively related to cognitive flexibility and life satisfaction. In addition, social comparison had a negative effect on life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility had a positive effect on life satisfaction. Although the direct effect of helicopter father attitude on life satisfaction was found to be insignificant, its indirect effect was found to be significant. Helicopter father attitude had a positive effect on social comparison and a negative effect on cognitive flexibility. Social comparison had a negative effect on life satisfaction and cognitive flexibility had a positive effect on life satisfaction. Research findings indicate that a helicopter parenting style indirectly influences individuals' life satisfaction via cognitive flexibility and social comparison.

🔖

Cite This Article

Yılmaz, O., Seki, T. (2025). The Mediating Role of Cognitive Flexibility and Social Comparison in the Effect of Perceived Helicopter Parental Attitudes on Life Satisfaction. Research on Education and Psychology, Volume: 9 Issue: 1. https://doi.org/10.54535/rep.1619474

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (56)

  1. Altunkol, F. (2011). Investigation of the relationship between university students' cognitive flexibility and perceived stress levels [Master's thesis, Çukurova University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  2. Anderson, C. M., Martin, M. M., & Riddle, B. L. (2001). Attitudes, style, and socialization: Predictors of commitment and satisfaction in workgroups. Communication Research Reports, 18(3), 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1080/08824090109384804
  3. Asıcı, E., & İkiz, F. (2015). A path to happiness: Cognitive flexibility. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Journal of Faculty of Education, 1(35), 191-211. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/maeuefd/issue/19408/206375
  4. Atayeter, B. (2020). The relationship between parents' cognitive flexibility and perfectionism levels and temperament characteristics of preschool children [Master's thesis, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  5. Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95. https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316911110
  6. Besser, A., & Priel, B. (2011). Dependency, self-criticism and negative affective responses following imaginary rejection and failure threats: Meaning-making processes as moderators or mediators. Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes, 74, 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1521/psyc.2011.74.1.31
  7. Buunk, B. P., & Gibbons, F. X. (2007). Social comparison: The end of a theory and the emergence of a field. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 102(1), 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2006.09.007
  8. Büyükmumcu, S., & Ceyhan, A. A. (2020). Predictiveness of dysfunctional attitudes, perceived parental attitudes and social comparison orientation on university students’ body image. Life Skills Journal of Psychology, 4(7), 19-35. https://doi.org/10.31461/ybpd.671414
  9. Byrne, B. M. (2016). Structural equation modeling with AMOS: Basic concepts, applications, and programming (3rd ed.). New York: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203807644
  10. Can, A. (2023). Quantitative data analysis in scientific research process with SPSS. Pegem Academy.
  11. Cline, F. W., & Fay, J. (1990). Parenting with love and logic: Teaching children responsibility. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=YJbqDwAAQBAJ&hl=tr
  12. Dağlı, A., & Baysal, N. (2016). Adaptation of the satisfaction with life scale into Turkish: The study of validity and reliability. Electronic Journal of Social Sciences, 15(59), 1250-1262. https://doi.org/10.17755/esosder.75955
  13. Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95(3), 542-575. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.95.3.542
  14. Diener, E. D., Emmons, R. A., Larsen, R. J., & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assessment, 49(1), 71-75. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327752jpa4901_13
  15. Diener, E., Suh, E. M., Lucas, R. E., & Smith, H. L. (1999). Subjective well-being: Three decades of progress. Psychological Bulletin, 125(2), 276-302. https://ssrn.com/abstract=2199216
  16. Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist, 55(1), 34-43. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.34
  17. Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117-140. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675400700202
  18. Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2012). How to design and evaluate research in education (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED323168
  19. Ganaprakasam, C., Davaidass, K. S., & Muniandy, S. C. (2018). Helicopter parenting and psychological consequences among adolescents. International Journal of Scientific Research, 8(6), 378-382. http://dx.doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.8.6.2018.p7849
  20. Gençdoğan, B., & Gülbahçe, A. (2021). Helicopter parent attitude perceived as a predictor of psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Milli Eğitim Özel Eğitim ve Rehberlik Dergisi, 1(1), 66-98. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/2111894
  21. Gibbons, F. X., & Buunk, B. P. (1999). Individual differences in social comparison: Development of a scale of social comparison orientation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 76(1), 129. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.76.1.129
  22. Gilbert, P., Price, J., & Allan, S. (1995). Social comparison, social attractiveness and evolution: How might they be related? New Ideas in Psychology, 13(2), 149-165. https://doi.org/10.1016/0732-118X(95)00002-X
  23. Grolnick, W. S., & Ryan, R. M. (1989). Parent styles associated with children's self-regulation and competence in school. Journal of Educational Psychology, 81(2), 143-154. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.81.2.143
  24. Güven, E. D. (2008). Investigation of adolescents' self-efficacy beliefs in the context of identity, social comparison tendency and demographic variables within the scope of apprenticeship training in a ready-to-wear clothing business [Master's thesis, Pamukkale University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  25. Hasan Musa, H. (2022). The relationship between parents' well-being compassion, psychological resilience and cognitive flexibility among their children with autism (ages 2-11) [Doctoral dissertation, Marmara University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  26. İlhan, T., & Özbay, Y. (2010). The predictive role of life goals and psychological need satisfaction on subjective well-being. Turkish Journal of Psychological Counseling and Guidance, 4(34), 109-118. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/200142
  27. Jung, E., Hwang, W., Kim, S., Sin, H., Zhao, Z., Zhang, Y., & Park, J. H. (2020). Helicopter parenting, autonomy support, and student wellbeing in the United States and South Korea. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(2), 358-373. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-019-01601-7
  28. Kline, R. B. (2019). Principles and practice of structural equation modeling (4th ed.). New York: Guilford Press. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=t2CvEAAAQBAJ&hl=tr
  29. Kouros, C. D., Papp, L. M., Goeke-Morey, M. C., & Cummings, E. M. (2014). Spillover between marital quality and parent–child relationship quality: Parental depressive symptoms as moderators. Journal of Family Psychology, 28(3), 315–325. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036804
  30. Lee, J., & Kang, S. (2018). Perceived helicopter parenting and Korean emerging adults' psychological adjustment: The mediational role of parent-child affection and pressure from parental career expectations. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 27(11), 3445-3455. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-1193-2
  31. LeMoyne, T., & Buchanan, T. (2011). Does "hovering" matter? Helicopter parenting and its effect on well-being. Sociological Spectrum, 31(4), 399-418. https://doi.org/10.1080/02732173.2011.574038
  32. Luszczynska, A., Gibbons, F. X., Piko, B. F., & Teközel, M. (2004). Self-Regulatory Cognitions, Social Comparison, and Perceived Peers' Behaviors as Predictors of Nutrition and Physical Activity: A Comparison Among Adolescents in Hungary, Poland, Turkey, and USA. Psychology & Health, 19(5), 577-593. https://doi.org/10.1080/0887044042000205844
  33. Martin, M. M., & Rubin, R. B. (1995). A new measure of cognitive flexibility. Psychological Reports, 76, 623-626. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1995.76.2.623
  34. Odacı, H., Ülken, E., & Bülbül, K. (2022). The relationship between cognitive flexibility and life satisfaction of single parent mothers: Mediating role of resilience. Journal of Social Policy Studies, 22(55), 305-338. https://doi.org/10.21560/spcd.vi.926494
  35. Okant Yaşin, Ç., & Özcan Demir, N. (2020). Y generation raised by helicopter parents: sense of belonging, life skills, selfconfidence. DEU Journal of Humanities, 7(2), 450-470. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/1254031
  36. Okray, Z. (2016). Helicopter parenting and pelated issues: Psychological well being, basic psychological needs and depression on university students. Current Research in Education, 2(3), 165-173. https://toad.halileksi.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/helikopter-anne-babalik-olcegi-toad.pdf
  37. Özbek, T. (2022). Examining the relationship between individuals' perceived helicopter parent attitudes and psychological well-being levels [Master's thesis, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  38. Özteke, H. İ. (2011). Investigation of the relationship between psychological counselors' social comparison and self-consciousness levels and psychological counselor self-efficacy beliefs [Master's thesis, Selçuk University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  39. Padilla-Walker, L. M., & Nelson, L. J. (2012). Black hawk down?: Establishing helicopter parenting as a distinct construct from other forms of parental control during emerging adulthood. Journal of Adolescence, 35(5), 1177-1190. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.03.007
  40. Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (1993). Review of the satisfaction with life scale. Psychological Assessment, 5(2), 164-172. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2354-4_5
  41. Reed, K., Duncan, J. M., Lucier Greer, M., & Fixelle, C. (2016). Helicopter parenting and emerging adult self-efficacy: Implications for mental and physical health. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 25(10), 3136-3149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-016-0466-x
  42. Rocha, C. M., & Chelladurai, P. (2012). Item parcels in structural equation modeling: An applied study in sport management. International Journal of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, 2(1), 46-53. https://doi.org/10.5923/j.ijpbs.20120201.07
  43. Satan, A. A. (2014). Religious beliefs and cognitive flexibility levels effect of the level of subjective well-being. 21st Century Education and Society, 3(7), 50-74. https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/download/article-file/59547
  44. Schiffrin, H.H., Liss, M., Miles-McLean, H. et al. (2014). Helping or hovering? The effects of helicopter parenting on college students' well-being. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 23(3), 548-557. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-013-9716-3
  45. Segrin, C., Woszidlo, A., Givertz, M., Bauer, A., & Taylor Murphy, M. (2013). The association between overparenting, parent-child communication, and entitlement and adaptive traits in adults. Family Relations, 62(5), 599-611. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3729.2011.00689.x
  46. Seki, T., Haktanir, A., & Şimşir Gökalp, Z. (2023). The mediating role of resilience in the relationship between helicopter parenting and several indicators of mental health among emerging adults. Journal of Community Psychology, 51, 1394-1407. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.23009
  47. Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. Free Press. https://books.google.com.tr/books?id=CM9tBAAAQBAJ&hl=tr
  48. Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5-14. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2000-13324-001
  49. Stiles, B. L., & Kaplan, H. B. (2004). Adverse social comparison processes and negative self-feelings: A test of alternative models. Social Behaviour and Personality, 32(1), 31-44. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2004.32.1.31
  50. Taş, İ. (2011). Examination of teachers' meaning of life, life satisfaction, social comparison and internal-external control focus in terms of various variables [Master's thesis, Sakarya University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  51. Teközel, M. (2000). An investigation of the need for positive self-evaluation in social comparison processes [Unpublished master's thesis, Ege University]. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tarama.jsp
  52. Williams, L. J., Vandenberg, R. J., & Edwards, J. R. (2009). Structural equation modeling in management research: A guide for improved analysis. Academy of Management Annals, 3(1), 543-604. https://doi.org/10.5465/19416520903065683
  53. Yam, F. C., & Kumcağız, H. (2021). Helicopter mother attitudes: Their predictive role in university students' life satisfaction and psychological well-being. OPUS International Journal of Society Researches, 17(35), 1946-1967. https://doi.org/10.26466/opus.784171
  54. Yaşar Ekici, F., & Balcı, S. (2019). Examination of the cognitive flexibility and emotional reactivity levels of preschool teacher candidates. Journal of Higher Education and Science, 9(1), 65-77. https://doi.org/10.5961/jhes.2019.310
  55. Yılmaz, H., & Büyükcebeci, A. (2019). Consequences of helicopter parenting attitudes in terms of positive psychology concepts. Turkish Psychological Counseling and Guidance Journal, 9(54), 707-744. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/tpdrd/issue/48897/623279
  56. Zong, J., Cao, X. Y., Cao, Y., Shi, Y. F., Wang, Y. N., & Yan, C. (2010). Coping flexibility in college students with depressive symptoms. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 8(66), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-8-66