This study aims to reveal the pathway mechanism of family backgroundnon-
cognitive ability-academic performance of freshmen. The results showed that
the non-cognitive abilities of students in different family backgrounds were different,
family social capital and family cultural capital had significant positive effects on
non-cognitive abilities. Non-cognitive ability has a significant effect on academic
performance, social communication ability and self-esteem have a positive effect, and
self-efficacy has a negative effect. Therefore, families should attach importance to the
creation of cultural atmosphere, schools should attach importance to the cultivation of
students’ non-cognitive abilities in social contact and self-esteem, and students should
also balance their studies and extracurricular activities to improve their academic
performance.