The influence of parental expectations on academic achievement and psychological well-being of Chinese high school students

Abstract

Parental expectations are often believed to drive academic success, but their impact on students' psychological well-being remains debated. This study examines the relationship between parental expectations, academic performance (GPA), and psychological well-being (stress, anxiety, and depression levels) among Chinese high school students. Using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, and mediation analysis, the study assesses whether high parental expectations contribute to improved academic outcomes or lead to emotional distress. The findings reveal that parental expectations do not significantly influence GPA, as there was no meaningful difference in academic performance across different expectation levels. Additionally, parental expectations showed weak correlations with stress, anxiety, and depression, suggesting that academic pressure from parents does not directly contribute to psychological distress. While a slight trend indicated that higher expectations might increase stress, this relationship was not statistically significant. Mediation analysis further confirmed that stress does not mediate the relationship between parental expectations and academic or mental health outcomes, indicating that other factors such as school workload and peer competition play a more substantial role. These results highlight the need for balanced parental involvement, where emotional support and constructive guidance complement academic expectations. Schools should implement mental health programs and holistic evaluation methods to promote student well-being. Future research should explore long-term effects of parental expectations and the role of alternative mediators such as resilience and self-efficacy. This study concludes that while moderate parental expectations may be beneficial, excessive academic pressure does not guarantee success and may negatively affect student mental health.