The Correlation between Parental Pressure and Academic Dishonesty

Abstract

Academic dishonesty is a persistent concern in higher education, and parental pressure may shape students’ likelihood of engaging in dishonest academic practices. Few Philippine studies have quantitatively examined this relationship in provincial higher education settings. This study examined the correlation between parental pressure and academic dishonesty among 311 Filipino undergraduate students at the University of Mindanao Digos College using a quantitative correlational design and purposive sampling. Descriptive statistics established both levels; Spearman’s rank correlation tested the relationship, and regression analysis assessed the predictive contribution of parental pressure. Results showed moderate parental pressure (M = 2.29, SD = 0.85), with Too High Expectations as the most prominent domain (M = 2.49, SD = 0.95), and low academic dishonesty (M = 1.85, SD = 0.71), with plagiarism most frequently reported (M = 1.85, SD = 0.71). Spearman’s rho revealed a statistically significant, moderate positive relationship (ρ = .341, p < .001). Regression analysis was significant (F(3, 307) = 23.31, p < .001, R² = .186), with restriction as the only significant domain predictor (t = 6.32, p < .001). These findings suggest that academic dishonesty is shaped by individual ethical judgement and external psychosocial factors, particularly parental restriction and expectations. The study highlights the value of parent-school collaboration in supportive academic environments that protect students’ well-being and academic integrity.