Tehran University of Medical Sciences Iranian Journal of Public Health 2251-6085 54 5 2025 04 30 985 991 Qian Shi Department of Student Affairs, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, China Xu Guo Department of Physics, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, China Qian Ma Department of Student Affairs, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang, 161000, China 2024 05 28 2025 04 30 Background: We aimed to look into the associations between family interaction patterns, achievement goals, and self-esteem among college students, to provide references for promoting university-family interactions and jointly safeguarding college students' mental health. Methods: Overall, 492 college students from Qiqihar Medical University, Heilongjiang Province, China were randomly selected as participants. The Family Assessment Device (FAD), Achievement Goals Scale (AGS), and Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) were used to conduct assessments. Results: Performance avoidance goals were directly linked to family dysfunction (r= 0.358) and inversely linked to self-esteem (r=-0.438). Mastery goals were inversely linked to family dysfunction (r=-0.34) and directly linked to self-esteem (r=0.304). Family dysfunction and self-esteem were negatively correlated (r=-0.465). Family dysfunction significantly indicated performance avoidance goals (β = 0.358, P<0.01) and mastery goals (β = -0.340, P<0.01). Mediation analysis revealed self-esteem served as a partial intermediary in the relationships between family dysfunction and performance avoidance goals, in addition to family dysfunction and mastery goals, with the mediating effects accounting for 45% and 25.6% of the total effects, respectively. Conclusion: Self-esteem partially mediates the influence of family functioning on college students’ achievement goals. https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/view/35633 https://ijph.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijph/article/download/35633/8544