How Does Overparenting Affect the Child? A Study on Parent-Child Relationships, Problematic Media Use, and Social Preference

Abstract

Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping children's social and emotional development. Overparenting has been linked to difficulties in children's autonomy and social adaptation. This study aimed to examine the serial mediating role of a negative parent-child relationship and problematic media use in the relationship between overparenting and social preference. The sample of the study consisted of 375 parent participants (316 mothers, 84.3%). The participants, aged between 23 and 50, had a mean age of 34.37 years (SD = 4.57). Participants completed the Overparenting Scale, Parent-Child Relationship Scale, Problematic Media Use Scale - Short Form, and Child Social Preference Scale-3 Parent Form. The findings of the study indicate that a negative parent-child relationship and problematic media use have a serial mediating role in the relationship between overparenting and social preference. The results demonstrated that higher levels of overparenting negatively impact the parent-child relationship, which in turn increases problematic media use, ultimately leading to more withdrawn and socially inhibited behaviors in children. The findings of the study were discussed and interpreted in detail in the light of the relevant literature.