Parental autonomy support and future education planning among Chinese senior high school students: a chain mediation model integrating self-determination theory and social cognitive theory

These findings underscore the role of supportive parenting and internal motivational resources-namely, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and efficacy beliefs-in facilitating adolescents' engagement in future-oriented educational planning during high school. The study also advances theoretical understanding by integrating SDT and SCT to illuminate a hierarchical motivational pathway linking parenting practices to future planning outcomes.