Impact of Chinese students' perceived parental expectations on academic achievement: The mediating role of academic self-concept

Thesis

Achieving high academic achievement is crucial in high school education, influencing students' future opportunities and development. Parental expectations are recognized as a significant factor in academic success, with some researchers highlighting the mediating role of academic self-concept. However, limited research has specifically tested this mediating effect, especially in mainland China. This study, based on the Expectancy-Value Theory, examined the relationship between parental expectations and academic achievement, focusing on the mediating role of academic self-concept among Chinese high school students preparing for the Gaokao. A cross-sectional survey collected data on students' perceived parental expectations, academic self-concept, and standardized test scores from 143 senior high school students in Guangdong Province. Bivariate correlation, hierarchical multiple linear regression, and PROCESS macro mediation analysis revealed that higher parental expectations significantly predicted higher academic self-concept and academic achievement, with academic self-concept partially mediating this relationship. These findings inform Chinese parents of high school students in Guangdong Province to set high but realistic expectations and work to enhance their children's perceptions of academic abilities. While the study offers valuable insights into educational practices in China, its cross-sectional design might limit the understanding of causal relationships, and focusing on a single high school tends to restrict generalizability. Future research could employ longitudinal methods and include diverse samples to further explore these relationships and the mediating role of academic self-concept in the context of China.

Authors: Fu, X

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-be1adeyan
• Type of award: MSc taught course
• Level of award: Masters
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: China; RDM2024; parental expectation; RDM; academic self-concept; academic achievement; high school students; quantitative research
• Subjects: Students; Academic achievement; Education; High school student orientation; Parents; Quantitative research