Effects of Chinese parental practices on adolescent school outcomes mediated by conformity to parents, self-esteem, and self-efficacy

This study examines how the parental support and control affected school outcomes through conformity to parents, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in adolescence in Mainland China. The sample included 350 junior and senior high school students age ranging from 12 to 19 years, 48% of them were males. Using path model analysis, results showed that parental support but not reasoning predicted conformity and self-esteem which in turn predicted school motivation and grade point average. Parental control including autonomy granting and monitoring also predicted school outcomes mediated by both conformity and self-esteem. Some gender differences were found. Both parental support and control indeed have great impact on adolescents. The more salient effectiveness of parental control may be due to the Chinese cultural characteristics.

► Chinese adolescents reported the perceived parental support and control.
► Parental support and control influence school motivation and grades.
► Conformity and self-esteem mediate parenting and school performances.