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

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.

Keywords

• Cognitive flexibility
• Helicopter parent
• Parental attitudes
• Satisfaction with life
• Social comparison

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