Overview

• The study surveyed 240 McGill undergraduates in the first six weeks of the fall term using established questionnaires on recalled parenting, recent stressors and current anxiety.
• Statistical analyses indicated that higher parental overprotection moderated the association between recent stress exposure and anxiety symptoms during the transition to university.
• The authors note limits on inference due to the self-report, single-site, cross-sectional design and the possibility of recall bias affecting reports of childhood parenting.
• Investigators from McGill and UCLA urge longitudinal follow-ups and exploration of resilience-promoting supports such as strong peer relationships on campus.
• The findings were published June 26, 2025, in Development and Psychopathology, with support from CIHR, the Canada Research Chair in Clinical Neuroscience and California state research and health agencies.