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A meta-analysis of parental burnout interventions
Agata M Urbanowicz1, Nicolas B Verger2, Rebecca Shankland3
1Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, LIP/PC2S, Grenoble, France.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 24, 2025
Summary
Psychological and educational interventions significantly reduce parental burnout, with lasting effects observed up to three months post-intervention. Key components include psychoeducation and stress management techniques for improved parental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Intervention Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Parental burnout is a significant issue affecting caregiver well-being.
- Effective interventions are needed to mitigate the negative impacts of parental burnout.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and durability of psychological and educational interventions for parental burnout.
- To identify moderators and core components of successful interventions.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis synthesized data from 15 studies (1380 participants), including 12 randomized controlled trials.
- Hedges' g under random-effects models was used for synthesis, with meta-regression for moderator analyses.
Main Results:
- Interventions showed moderate-to-large reductions in parental burnout, with effects sustained for up to three months.
- Effects were consistent across diverse populations and intervention types; six-week programs showed tentative promise.
- Key intervention components included psychoeducation, self-regulation, values work, experiential practice, and relational awareness.
Conclusions:
- Psychological and educational interventions are effective in reducing parental burnout and sustaining benefits.
- Focusing on shared intervention components, rather than specific modalities, may enhance future program development.
- Further research is needed to optimize intervention duration and understand heterogeneity.