This doctoral thesis contributes to the literature on helicopter parents, and their relation to student development theory. A secondary examination of approximately 1800 randomized results from the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) was tested using the following statistical tests: Mann-Whitney Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Friedman's Chi Square Test, and Frequency Test. The 2007 NSSE was selected due to its experimental questions focusing on parent/guardian interactions. The findings confirm the significant effect that parent involvement/intervention has on student as they develop and mature into adulthood. In this study the results show that of all groups tested (Mother, Father, Guardian, Siblings and Friends), mother was the number one preferred method of communication, and had the highest quality of relationship. The results also point to implications for administrators within higher education, specifically in the areas of Student Affairs, and Parent and Family Programs. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]