The Influence of Too Much or Too Little Parental Involvement in College Adjustment in Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Parental involvement is a critical aspect of child development that evolves as children become adolescents and enter adulthood. This chapter delves into the influence of too much or too little parental involvement on college students' adjustment. It discusses the impact of parenting dynamics such as overly involved, uninvolved, and conflictual styles on college adjustment. Transitioning from high school to college can be exciting and overwhelming for students as they adjust to new expectations that affect them psychologically, behaviorally, and cognitively. This chapter explores the effects of transitioning from high school to college, coping with change, and ways to facilitate emotional adjustment. It outlines the role of other contributing factors, such as social and academic success, self-efficacy, and college belongingness, in overall adjustment. Lastly, this chapter concludes with institutional strategies to help support student wellbeing.