From Burnout to Parental Burnout: How Does Caregiving Become a Burden?

Abstract

Parenting, traditionally associated with positive feelings, simultaneously presents formidable challenges that can be detrimental to both families and children. The emergence of parental burnout as a contemporary construct describes the complex array of issues and hardships faced by parents. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the prevalence of parental burnout and its consequences. Accordingly, this review critically examines the evolution of burnout as a concept, particularly within the realm of caregiving, and subsequently delves into the genesis of parental burnout. This comprehensive exploration includes an analysis of the primary determinants contributing to parental burnout and its multifaceted effects on parents, children, and family relationships. Finally, this review culminates in an outline of prospective implications and interventions designed to mitigate parental burnout, thereby providing valuable insights for professionals involved in the support and guidance of families and children.

Keywords

• parenting
• burnout
• child
• mental health