Maternal burn-out: an exploratory study. (27th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Séjourné, N.; Sanchez-Rodriguez, R.; Leboullenger, A.; Callahan, S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive and infant psychology. Volume 36:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 276
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2018-05-27
• Subjects: Maternal burn-out -- parental stress -- exhaustion -- depression; Human reproduction -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Child Psychology -- Periodicals; Women -- psychology -- Periodicals; 612.6
• DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2018.1437896
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-6838

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Maternal burn-out is a psychological, emotional and physiological condition resulting from the accumulation of various stressors characterised by a moderate but also a chronic and repetitive dimension. Little research has focused on this syndrome. Objective : The current study aims to assess maternal burn-out rate and to identify factors associated with this state of exhaustion. Method: 263 French mothers aged between 20 and 49 years answered five scales quantifying maternal burn-out, perceived social support, parental stress, depression and anxiety symptoms and history of postnatal depression. Results: About 20% of mothers were affected by maternal burn-out. The main factors related to maternal burn-out were having a child perceived as difficult, history of postnatal depression, anxiety, satisfaction of a balance between professional and personal life and parental stress. Conclusion: This research shows the need for further work on maternal burn-out to better understand and prevent this syndrome.