This study analyzes relationships affecting middle school students’ attitudes in mathematics
classes using structural equation modeling (SEM). More specifically, the study examines how
the effect of family background may be mediated by the affective characteristics of students.
The results from SEM analysis were as follows. First, relationships with parents, prior in-class
attitude, and self-efficacy had a significant direct effect on the subsequent in-class, learning
attitudes. Second, parents’ socioeconomic status and relationships with parents had an indirect
effect on students’ learning attitudes in math classes, mediated by prior in-class attitude, growth
mindset, and self-efficacy. Third, both direct and indirect effects of the prior in-class attitude on
students’ present attitudes in mathematics classes were significantly large. On the basis of these
results, it is suggested that educators should support students from disadvantaged background to
mitigate the educational gap as family background systematically influences in-class attitudes.
Particularly for parents from disadvantaged socioeconomic background, active advising with
teachers, educational sessions, and external consultations should be accompanied. Furthermore,
considering the prolonged influence of the deficient learning attitudes, individualized educational
strategies based on the attitudinal history must follow to preempt the learning gap for
disadvantaged middle school students.