Exploring Overparenting within the Context of Youth Development Programs

Abstract

While normative parenting styles can result in positive youth outcomes such as adjustment and competence, overparenting may lead to a variety of negative youth outcomes including poor self-regulation and childhood anxiety. Conceptualizations of overparenting vary and an opportunity exists to clarify the construct and consider the implications for youth development settings. This paper synthesizes what is known about overparenting and its sub-dimensions, proposes an overparenting model built on prior research, and explores the influence of overparenting on youth development programs. An agenda for further overparenting research is proposed.