Sociology Study, July-Aug. 2025, Vol. 15, No. 4, 178-187 doi: 10.17265/2159-5526/2025.04.003 Parental Engagement, Parents’ Attitude to Science, and Basic Science Students’ Mental Well-Being in the Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria Mabel Ihuoma Idika, Ginika Joy Nsofor University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Good mental well-being is necessary for achievement in science at any level. There are extrinsic factors that have the potential to determine a learner’s mental well-being, and the role of the parent(s) cannot be undermined. Therefore, this study examined the relationships between parental engagement (PE), parents’ attitude to science (PAS), and mental well-being (MWb) among junior science students. This descriptive survey involved a population of Junior Secondary Three (3) students studying Basic Science in public co-educational schools. A sample of three hundred (300) respondents was randomly drawn from 10 schools within the metropolis. Quantitative data were sourced using three validated questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The research showed that PE (2.19) and PAS (2.13) are relatively high, while MWb (2.51) is moderately normal. The influence of PE and PAS on MWb is significant. Both PE and PAS have a significant positive relationship with MWb. Also, PE and PAS were found to jointly contribute to students’ MWb. In conclusion, PE and PAS have implications for the child’s mental well-being and ultimate success in science. We, therefore, recommend that more parental engagement be encouraged by improving sensitization, and orientation programs could be organized for parents of science students. This may provide an avenue for parents to be better equipped to support their young scientists. Keywords: parental engagement, parents’ attitude to science, mental well-being, basic science, junior science students Introduction Science education, an integral aspect of the Nigerian educational system, provides the platform and opportunities for socioeconomic and technological advancement for the nation. Therefore, the strategic procedure for distributing science knowledge across all levels is expedient. Hence, its teaching and learning is implemented at the lower secondary level as Basic Science. The intention of creating the subject was to equip learners with basic scientific knowledge and skills as well as develop a sustained interest in the sciences. Doing science at a young age can be challenging. This may be brought on due to the abstraction, bulky nature, poor teaching method, learning environment, cost of doing science, etc. These could impact the young scientists, especially in the area of their mental well-being. The fact is that science learners need to be in a good mental state to do well. Mabel Ihuoma Idika, Ph.D., Lecturer, Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Ginika Joy Nsofor, Doctoral student, Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. DAVID PUBLISHING D