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Pereira MG, Fraga J, Santos M, Ferraz A, Vilaça M. Parental burnout during COVID-19: The moderating role of anxiety and family functioning. Stress Health 2024; 40:e3411. [PMID: 38676938 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Parental burnout (PB) is characterised by parental exhaustion resulting from exposure to chronic parental stress. Due to the social and economic changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted families, there is a significant scientific interest in identifying factors related to PB within the pandemic context. This study aimed to analyse the relationships between parental stress (parental concerns, parental satisfaction, lack of control, and fears and anxieties), family functioning, psychological morbidity (anxiety and depression), and burnout in parents. The sample consisted of 253 parents, legal guardians or primary caregivers of children aged between 0 and 6 years. Results revealed that the child's age, psychological morbidity (depression), and parental stress were significant predictors of PB. Anxiety and family functioning played a moderating role in the relationship between parental satisfaction and PB. According to the results, intervention programs should focus on anxiety symptoms and family functioning to mitigate the effects of parental stress on PB.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Graça Pereira
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Jonas Fraga
- School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Martim Santos
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Ferraz
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Margarida Vilaça
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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Aktu Y. The role of parenting stress on parenting self-efficacy and parental burnout among Turkish parents: a moderated mediation model. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:475. [PMID: 39252138 PMCID: PMC11386338 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01980-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parental burnout is a significant problem that negatively effects parent-child interaction, parenting skills, and child well-being. Research has identified parenting stress as one of the leading factors in parent burnout. Although crucial connections have been explained between parenting stress and parental burnout, not much is known about how parenting self-efficacy operates in these relationships. This study aims to investigate the roles of parenting self-efficacy and number of children in the relationship between parenting stress and parental burnout. METHODS The participants consist of a total of 456 parents (Mage = 35.64 ± 9.28, Range = 25-65 years). The data were collected using a personal information form, the Parenting Stress Scale, the Parental Burnout Scale and the Parenting Self-Efficacy Scale. Relationships among variables were examined using Pearson's correlation, while moderated mediation analysis was carried out using Hayes's bootstrapping. RESULTS The correlation analyses reveal a negative relationship between parenting self-efficacy and parenting stress, between parenting self-efficacy and parental burnout, and between parenting self-efficacy and number of children, while a positive significant relationship was found between parenting stress and parental burnout. The mediation analyses show parenting self-efficacy to mediate the correlation between parenting stress and parental burnout. The mediating effect of parenting self-efficacy is also moderated by number of children. CONCLUSIONS This study provides empirical evidence for the effect of parenting stress and parenting self-efficacy on parental burnout, with fewer children in the household alleviating parental burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Aktu
- Department of Social Service and Counselingy, Siirt University, Siirt, Türkiye.
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Barbieri V, Piccoliori G, Engl A, Wiedermann CJ. Parental Mental Health, Gender, and Lifestyle Effects on Post-Pandemic Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Problems: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Northern Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:933. [PMID: 39063509 PMCID: PMC11277222 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exacerbation of psychosocial problems among children and adolescents during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitates an assessment of the long-term mental health impact of pandemic interventions. Focusing on both pandemic-related factors and demographic variables, such as gender and daily habits, an analysis was conducted to understand how these elements continue to affect young populations in the post-pandemic era. METHODS In April 2023, a comprehensive online survey was administered to families in South Tyrol, Italy, with children aged 7-19 years, to ensure age and gender representation. The survey included parent ratings and adolescent (11-19 years) self-reports using standardized instruments to measure the symptoms of mental health problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ), anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, SCARED), and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2, PHQ-2). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and unadjusted odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS Of the 4525 valid responses, 1831 were self-reported by adolescents. Notable gender differences in mental health outcomes were identified, along with significant demographic predictors, such as age, single parenthood, parental mental health problems, and immigrant background. Negative effects were associated with reduced family climate and increased screen time, whereas physical activity showed beneficial effects. Proxy reports overestimated adolescents' mental health problems, whereas self-reports tended to underestimate them. CONCLUSIONS Persistent mental health problems and gender disparities highlight the need for a public health approach. This should include accessible support services, resilience building, targeted support for vulnerable families and gender-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Barbieri
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Giuliano Piccoliori
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Adolf Engl
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| | - Christian J. Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, 6060 Hall, Austria
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Chao KY, Hsiao TY, Chiang SF, Cheng W. Impact of class cancellations on parents' and children' adaptation following an outbreak of the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan in April 2022. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1902. [PMID: 39014382 PMCID: PMC11251347 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18976-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the impact on Taiwanese parents and children following an outbreak of the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Data were collected following class cancellations mandated by the Ministry of Education due to an outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in April 2022. A national parent organization developed self-report survey questionnaire, "Impact of the Pandemic-related School Closures/Class Cancellations" (IPRSCCC), assessed parents' perceived impact of school cancellations on their child/children' and on their adaptation. The online survey was available between May 4 and May 9, 2022, in 20 districts throughout Taiwan. RESULTS A total of 2126 parents representing 2592 children responded. Total scores on the IPRSCCC were significantly higher for parents of children whose classes were cancelled (n = 891) compared with parents whose children continued in-person classes (n = 1053). Parents perceived the class cancellations of the child/children disrupted daily routine, learning loss and impacted academic motivation. They also reported emotional stress and no time for rest, which were associated with parental burnout. However for these parents, there were no significant differences in scores between parents living in low and high socioeconomic areas. Only the subscale score for disrupted daily routine was significantly higher for fathers, and emotional stress was significantly higher for parents with two, or ≥ 3 children. When academic impacts were examined using national examination scores for 12th grade students, the percent of students with scores of ≤ 6 in English, Chinese, and mathematics was higher in 2022 than in 2020. CONCLUSIONS Higher IPRSCCC scores for parents of children whose classes were cancelled provides additional evidence of the impact of disruptions of in-person classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Examination scores confirmed class cancellations impacted academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Yu Chao
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | | | - Sum-Fu Chiang
- Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Kee-Lung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, 268 Shin-Erh Road, Keelung, 201, Taiwan.
- School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Deh Yu College of Nursing and Health, Kee-Lung, Taiwan.
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Jetiyanuwat S, Kawilapat S, Narkpongphun A, Pojanapotha P. Association between Family Functioning, Child Emotional and Behavioral Problems, and Parental Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:270. [PMID: 38667066 PMCID: PMC11047722 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on people of all ages, especially children. This is a cross-sectional study in Thailand to explore the emotional and behavioral problems of school-aged children and associated factors during the lockdown. An online survey was conducted with 942 parents of school-age children. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores showed that total difficulties and all subscale difficulties (hyperactivity, conduct problems, peer problems, and emotional problems) were increased, whereas prosocial behaviors were decreased in the pandemic period. The factors significantly associated with higher parental stress were higher emotional and peer problems after the COVID-19 outbreak, high family difficulty, and sleep problems. Sleep problems were associated with all children's difficulties, except prosocial behavior. High score in family difficulty subscale was associated with increased emotional problems, whereas poor family communication was associated with increased hyperactivity. Appetite change was negatively associated with parental stress and some children's difficulties. Higher household income, family time, physical activities, and recreational activities were associated with a decreased level of some difficulties and family functioning problems, but positively with an increase in the prosocial behavior of children. Additionally, higher screen time was associated with a higher level of hyperactivity, conduct problems, and poor family communication. This study demonstrated that Thai children were at high risk of developing mental health problems during the pandemic lockdown. We suggest that intervention to promote physical activities and reduce screen time is needed. Moreover, efficient monetary policy is urgently required. The limitations here include a recall bias with no baseline to compare and a potential selection bias due to parental selection and a webpage announcement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suttipong Kawilapat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Assawin Narkpongphun
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
| | - Pichaya Pojanapotha
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.K.); (A.N.)
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Ma C, Qirui C. Spatial-temporal evolution pattern and optimization path of family education policy: An LDA thematic model approach. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17460. [PMID: 37415949 PMCID: PMC10320304 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Family education policy plays a crucial role in modernizing family education. By examining the temporal and spatial evolution of this policy, its inherent logic, constructs, and optimal pathways can be better understood. The study analyzed local family education policy documents, extracting six major themes using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model, and presented them according to the calculated mean theme probability. The themes include parental ability, school security, institutional environment, government support, social coordination, and high-quality development. Parental ability and government support were found to be particularly prominent, suggesting that many local policies focus on enhancing parents' skills for delivering family education and bolstering the government's role in public affairs. This combines the dual responsibilities of being an educational entity and accountable subject in the joint development of family education. Understanding the characteristics and variations in temporal and spatial distribution can enrich family education policy design, fostering the high-quality development of family education initiatives. Based on the findings, the study proposes three optimization paths for policy design: promotion and empowerment (building a multi-cooperative system), regional interconnection (understanding the current state of local policies and leveraging their strengths), and breaking barriers (simultaneously promoting the inclusiveness of family education and brand development). This study emphasizes the needs of customizing family education policy based on the temporal and spatial features and local requirements for maximum outputs.
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Vaydich JL, Cheung RYM. Parental Burnout During the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Role of Parenting Stressors and Coparenting Support. FAMILY JOURNAL (ALEXANDRIA, VA.) 2023; 31:432-442. [PMID: 38603224 PMCID: PMC9465055 DOI: 10.1177/10664807221123556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes in family routines and introduced new stressors for parents. While stressors can lead to parental burnout, coparenting support may mitigate the effects of parental stress on parental burnout. The current study explored the effects of parental stress, COVID-19 stress, and coparenting support on parental burnout during the second year of the pandemic. Participants consisted of one hundred fifty-five parents in the USA (M = 39.6, SD = 7.38; female = 94.8%). Results suggested parental stress was positively associated with parental burnout while coparenting support was negatively associated with parental burnout. These findings highlight the importance of addressing parental stress and support to minimize the risk of parental burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lee Vaydich
- Department of Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. M. Cheung
- Department of Early Childhood Education, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Kroshus E, Hawrilenko M, Tandon PS, Browning A, Steiner MK, Christakis DA. Structural Inequities in Self-compassion and Parental Burnout. Mindfulness (N Y) 2023; 14:1192-1203. [PMID: 37304655 PMCID: PMC10113733 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-023-02104-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Objectives When parenting-related stressors and coping resources are chronically imbalanced, there is risk of parental burnout, and consequent negative impact on parent and child wellbeing. The objective of this study was to determine the relations between structural and social determinants of health inequities, self-compassion (a theoretically indicated coping practice), and parental burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Participants were parents (n = 2324) with at least one child aged 4-17 in the household recruited from NORC's AmeriSpeak Panel (a probability-based panel providing coverage of 97% of the US household population). Parents completed an online or telephone questionnaire in English or Spanish in December 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to test a system of relations between income, race and ethnicity, parental burnout, and parent and child mental health. Indirect effects and moderation by self-compassion were also tested. Results On average, parents experienced symptoms of burnout several days per week. Symptoms were the most frequent among parents with the least income, as well as female-identified and Asian parents. More self-compassion was associated with less parental burnout, and fewer parent and child mental health difficulties. Black and Hispanic parents were more self-compassionate compared to white parents, helping to explain similar levels of parental burnout and relatively better mental health outcomes, despite comparatively more stressors. Conclusions Self-compassion is a potentially promising target for interventions aiming to address parental burnout; however, such efforts must not detract from critical structural changes to reduce parenting stressors, particularly those impacting parents experiencing systemic racism and other forms of socioeconomic disadvantage. Preregistration This study is not preregistered. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-023-02104-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kroshus
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Matt Hawrilenko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Pooja S. Tandon
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Anne Browning
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195 USA
| | - Mary Kathleen Steiner
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
| | - Dimitri A. Christakis
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, 1920 Terry Ave, Seattle, WA 98101 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Fu W, Zhao W, Deng F. Intergenerational Support and Second-Child Fertility Intention in the Chinese Sandwich Generation: The Parallel Mediation Model of Double Burnout. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:256. [PMID: 36975281 PMCID: PMC10045525 DOI: 10.3390/bs13030256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2013, the Chinese government implemented a two-child policy to increase the country's fertility rate. However, the persistently low rates necessitated other measures to boost fertility. This study empirically investigated the association between intergenerational support and second-child fertility intention in the Chinese sandwich generation and demonstrated the mediating role of parental burnout and burnout in caring for grandparents. Survey data collected at Time 1, Time 2, and Time 3 included 2939 participants from different regions of China. Before analyzing the data, coarsened exact matching and propensity score matching was conducted to reduce sampling bias. Regression analysis results indicated that intergenerational support has a significant total positive effect on second-child fertility intention. Furthermore, mediation path analysis revealed that parental burnout and burnout in caring for grandparents play significant but opposite directional mediating roles in the association between intergenerational support and second-child fertility intention. Sensitivity analysis using different calipers yielded similar results. These results indicated that second-child fertility intention can be increased among the Chinese sandwich generation with intergenerational support, by mitigating parental burnout. However, intergenerational support did not alleviate burnout in caring for grandparents in the sandwich generation; therefore, formal older adult care policies are required to help the sandwich generation experience lower burnout, while receiving intergenerational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiao Fu
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Wenlong Zhao
- School of Humanities and Social Science, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Fei Deng
- School of Education, Xi’an International Studies University, Xi’an 710128, China
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