Revising Parental Burnout Theory: Toward a Differentiation of Sleep-Related Burnout Subtypes

Contemporary models of parental burnout conceptualize it as an interplay between parental demands and insufficient resources. However, research and current models remain sparse in their understanding of these demands and dynamics within the context of managing a child's sleep wellness and related problems, which constitute a fundamental aspect in early parenting. The present work addresses this gap by examining this issue comprehensively.

2291 mother-child dyads were recruited from two sources: a random population sample (n = 1409) and a clinical sample (n = 882) of mothers seeking consultation for their child's sleep issues (0-5 years old). Mothers completed an extensive panel of validated instruments and survey questions covering burnout and psychopathologies, sleep parameters, psychosocial, organizational, and demographic variables. Inferential analyses, regression modeling, cluster analysis, and mediation models were applied.

Two distinct profiles of parental burnout emerged: one associated with child sleep disturbances and the other with general parenting stress. The strongest-weighted risk factors pertained to maladaptive beliefs and perceptions (e.g., shame, "I am a bad parent", "My child cries because I do not meet his needs"), as well as additive stressors such as interparental tension and daytime child behavioral problems. The strongest protective factors involved resources that reduced parental demands or facilitated recovery, including couple satisfaction, a consistent bedtime routine, greater capacity to take breaks (e.g., additional caregivers, father nighttime involvement, parental cohabitation, and child screen time).

The identification of two distinct burnout profiles highlights the importance of incorporating, or placing more centrally, the management of young children's insomnia in contemporary theoretical models of parental burnout. This research highlights the need for interventions on healthy self-beliefs and perceptions, effective daytime parenting strategies, positive couple dynamics, consistency in bedtime routines, and equitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities between parents to reduce the risk of parental burnout.