Parental Expectations and Sedentary Behaviors among Chinese Children: A National Study of 15,736 students from 112 Middle Schools
Authors: Li Miao , Xue Hong , Min Jungwon , Wang Youfa 
Published: November 2023

Aims

To examine the dual impacts of parental achievement expectation on nonacademic and academic‐related sedentary behavior among junior high students in China.

Methods

Based on the first nationally representative sample of 7th and 9th graders in China (N=15,736), we fitted multilevel structural equation models linking multiple indicators of parental expectation, parental control practices regarding recreational screen use and homework, and child academic/nonacademic‐related sedentary behaviors.

Results

76% of all students were expected by parents to achieve upper middle to top levels in academic performance. 85% were expected to obtain a college degree or above. 48% were expected to live in big cities or overseas. 82% were expected to be professionals or artists. Parental expected academic performance (ranging from “no expectation”, “medium in the class”, “upper middle in the class”, “top 5 in the class”) was significantly positively associated with strictness of parental control over student TV watching (b= 0.040, p<.01), internet use (b= 0.053, p<.01), and parental monitor over student homework (b= 0.072, p<.01). Parental expected terminal degree (ranging from “middle school”, “high school”, “college”, and “graduate”) was significantly positively associated with strictness of parental control over student TV watching (b= 0.040, p<.000), internet use (b= 0.045, p<.000), and homework (b=0.046, p<.000). Compared to students whose parents do not place specific expectations on their future occupations, students who are expected to be administrative/business professional, performing artist, or others reported stricter parental control over TV watching (for professionals, b=0.145, p<.000; for artists, b=0.126, p<.001; for other occupations, b=0.116, p<.000), internet use (for professionals, b=0.189, p<.000; for artists, b=0.164, p<.000; for other occupations, b=0.173, p<.000), and student homework (for professionals, b=0.138, p<.000; for artists, b=0.159, p<.000; for other occupations, b=0.089, p<.000). Compared to students whose parents do not place specific expectations on their future place of living, students who are expected to live in big cities and overseas reported stricter parental control over student homework (for big cities, b=0.090, p<.000; for overseas, b=0.083, p<.000). Parental TV control and internet control were negatively associated with TV (b= −0.126, p<.000) and internet use (b= −0.357, p<.000), respectively. Stricter parental monitor over homework is associated with more time spent on homework (b= 0.069, p<.000).

Conclusions

Chinese students are carrying high parental expectations. Parental expectation may simultaneously increase and decrease different types of student sedentary behaviors. Future sedentary behavioral interventions in China requires addressing the competitive academic culture and heavy burden of parental expectations, as well as offering parents trainings/education on how to practice health‐promoting controlling/monitoring.

Support or Funding Information

Funding: NIH U54 center grant, HD070725.