Problematic internet use in emerging adulthood to escape from maternal helicopter parenting: defensive functioning as a mediating mechanism

Abstract

The increasing use of the Internet has raised concerns about its problematic use, particularly among emerging adults who grew up in a highly digitalized world. Helicopter parenting, characterized by excessive involvement, overcontrol, and developmentally inappropriate behavior, has been identified as a potential factor contributing to problematic Internet use (PIU). Under these circumstances, considering that emerging adults navigate their adult lives and strive to reduce their sense of being in-between, implicit emotion regulation strategies, such as defense mechanisms, may help comprehend PIU. The present questionnaire-based study investigated the associations between maternal and paternal helicopter parenting and PIU through defensive functioning among a community sample of 401 cisgender emerging adults (71.82% females; 82.04% heterosexuals; Mage=24.85, SD=2.52) living in Italy. About one-fourth (25.19%) reported PIU. Greater maternal, B=0.904, SE=0.235, p<.001, but not paternal, B=0.343, SE=0.188, p=.068, helicopter parenting was significantly associated with PIU through a less mature defensive functioning. Conversely, neither maternal, B=1.158, SE=0.722, p=.109, nor paternal, B=0.355, SE=0.731, p=.628, helicopter parenting had a direct association with PIU. The results suggest the importance for psychotherapists to incorporate individuals’ defense mechanisms and parent–child relationship history when designing tailored interventions for effective treatment of PIU. This emphasis is crucial because, in the context of a developmentally appropriate parenting style, relying on more mature defenses after psychotherapeutic intervention can lead to healthier adjustment among emerging adults.

Defense mechanisms are associated with mental health symptoms across six countries

“…Defense mechanisms, as studied in clinical and non-clinical contexts (Carone et al ., 2023a ; 2023b ; Cramer, 2007; Perry & Bond, 2012 ), offer insights into psychological functioning. Identifying defense mechanisms and defense profiles in clinical settings is helpful for successful treatment outcomes (Perry & Bond, 2012 ; Cramer, 2007; Perry et al ., 2019 ), and improvement in defensive functioning has been linked to improved psychological functioning in general as well as better treatment outcomes (Kramer et al ., 2013; Perry, Knoll, & Tran, 2019 ).…”

Initial validation of the Turkish version of the defense mechanisms rating scales-self-report-30

“…A large body of literature has applied the DMRS in research and has demonstrated that defense mechanisms are strongly related to mental health ( Perry and Cooper, 1989 ; Perry and Bond, 2012 ; Di Giuseppe et al, 2022 ; Perry et al, 2022 ; Carlucci et al, 2023 ). Mature defensive functioning is associated with better personality functioning and fewer symptoms ( Giovanardi et al, 2021 ; Tanzilli et al, 2022 ; Conversano et al, 2023 ; Martino et al, 2023 ; Messina et al, 2023 ), while immature defensive functioning is related to psychopathology ( Perry and Cooper, 1989 ; Babl et al, 2019 ; Boldrini et al, 2020 ; Conversano et al, 2020 ; Carone et al, 2023 ; Vierl et al, 2023 ). Severe personality disorders are associated with low defensive functioning, action defenses, and major image-distorting defenses, which predict depression, suicidal attempts, substance use, and self-harming behavior ( Perry and Cooper, 1989 ; Perry et al, 2020 ; Fiorentino et al, 2024 ).…”