Burnout and Mental Health in Working Parents: Risk Factors and Practice Implications

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout and mental health disorders in parents can have significant implications for families. Little is known about these conditions in working parents. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence and mental health risk factors for working parent burnout.

Method: De-identified data were collected on a convenience sample of 1285 working parents through an online survey.

Results: Sixty-five percent of working parents reported burnout. Depression, anxiety, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder, abuse, or history of a mental health disorder in the parent were significantly correlated with parental burnout. Anxiety, attention deficient hyperactivity disorder, presence of a mental health disorder in the child, or if parents thought their child might have a mental health disorder were significantly correlated with parent burnout. Parental burnout was significantly associated with greater risk of child maltreatment.

Discussion: This study provides insight into the prevalence and mental health risk factors for parental burnout specific to the working parent.

Keywords: Parenting; abuse; child relationships; emotional health; parent.