The influence of parenting style on the mental health status of Chinese high school students: the chain mediating effect of ideal level and frustration tolerance

Adolescent mental health is a global concern, yet the protective roles of parenting styles, ideal level (personal standards and aspirations), and frustration tolerance (capacity to endure setbacks) remain underexplored. This study surveyed 1,101 first-year high school students in Chongqing (March–June 2024) to assess these factors. Results showed a mean General Health Questionnaire score of 24.94 (SD = 6.62). Better academic performance correlated with higher ideal level, stronger frustration tolerance, and better mental health. Negative parenting positively predicted poorer mental health (β = 0.20, p < 0.001), while positive parenting and frustration tolerance were negative predictors (β = −0.49~−0.08, p < 0.01). Ideal level and frustration tolerance demonstrated a chain mediating effect (21.35%) between positive parenting and mental health. Findings indicate that positive parenting supports mental health partly through fostering aspirations and resilience, suggesting family and school interventions should cultivate these protective factors.