Bidirectional and transactional effects between parental burnout and child internalizing and externalizing behaviors

While research on parental burnout has expanded dramatically in recent years, a critical gap remains in understanding the interplay between this condition and child-related variables. This study aimed to investigate the bidirectional and transactional dynamics between parental burnout and the child's internalizing and externalizing behaviors. A longitudinal design with three data collection waves, spaced 4 months apart, was employed. The sample comprised 1,458 parents (French and English speaking) who completed online surveys, including a measure of the child's behavior, assessed by both parents and another informant. Structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze bidirectional and recursive relationships. The cross-lagged panel model results, further informed by path comparison analyses, identified significant bidirectional and transactional effects equally driven by parent and child, suggesting a cyclical relationship between parental burnout and child behavior. These findings highlight the reciprocal nature of these dynamics, challenging the traditional view of unilateral influence. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic interplay between parental burnout and child behavior, thereby making an important contribution to developmental psychopathology. Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).