The relationship between perceived helicopter parenting and non-suicidal self-injury in emerging adulthood: the mediating role of self-criticism and procrastination

The aim of this study was to find out how perceived helicopter parenting from mothers (HM) and fathers (HF) leads to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in young adults by investigating cognitive and behavioral pathways. A total of 851 Turkish university students (74.8% female; M age = 21.3 years) participated in the Perceived Helicopter Parenting Attitude Scale, the Forms of Self-criticism/Reassurance scale (inadequate- self, hated-self, reassured-self), Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire (procrastination subscale), and the Inventory of Statements About Self- Injury. Direct relations were evaluated using hierarchical multiple regression, while indirect pathways were assessed using serial mediation analysis in the 467 participants who reported NSSI. Results showed that HM predicted greater NSSI severity indirectly, primarily through increased feelings of an inadequate-self. The hypothesized serial pathway that included procrastination as a second mediator was not statistically significant. In contrast, HF significantly mediated NSSI through both a direct pathway through inadequate-self and a subsequent serial pathway involving procrastination. Unexpectedly, for individuals with higher self-reassurance, the association between HF and NSSI was stronger, suggesting a suppression effect. These findings emphasize the necessity of targeting self-critical cognitions and avoidance behaviors in preventative efforts, as well as the differences between HF and HM. In addition to family-based counseling, clinicians should use procrastination-reduction techniques and self-reassurance training to reduce the likelihood of NSSI.