Parental Involvement in Students' Education

Introduction. The relevance of the study is due to the continuing significant role of parents at the stage of higher education in the context of the prolongation of the growing up period. The purpose of the work is to analyse the phenomenon of parental involvement in higher education, including the classification of its forms and the identification of key factors determining its intensity and specific characteristics. Materials and Methods. The study used the results of a semi-structured interview of four students of the National Research Mordovia State University and their parents (one parent per student). The interviews were conducted in April – May 2025. The sample was formed according to the principle of targeted selection to ensure the maximum variety of educational paths and parenting styles. The data was analyzed using the thematic analysis. Results. Four main forms of parental involvement during the university period have been identified and classified: emotional, financial support, control and supervision, participation in extracurricular activities. Three parenting styles have been identified that determine the nature and intensity of engagement: democratically protective, liberal (permissive), and democratic with elements of authoritarian control. It has been established that emotional support based on trust has the most positive effect on students' learning motivation and well-being. Mothers are more involved in the learning process than fathers. The key factor determining the activity of parents is the attitude towards education as a strategic resource. Discussion and Conclusion. The classification of the forms of involvement and the analysis of influencing factors led to the conclusion that parental involvement remains an important resource for students during the university period. The nature and intensity of parental involvement are determined by the adopted parenting style, gender identity of the parent and their educational attitudes. The research results can be used to develop communication models between universities and families as well as to create methodological recommendations for constructive student support.