I agree it has nothing to do with being Italian. It has to do with the drama, living out of a drama and choosing drama in one's life.
That could be Italian or not.

It is true that Italian families are quite connected and they usually have to back their children because the State won't take care of certain aspects of our lives.
It is also true that Italian families find difficult to respect the idea that the ex-child is now a grown-up and doesn't have to ask permission.