A common and underdiagnosed phenomenon

Parental burnout is a syndrome distinct from ordinary parental stress, which currently affects between 3 and 8% of parents in the general population. It is therefore a common phenomenon, with serious consequences, and yet it is still too often misunderstood or poorly managed.

 

A well-established etiology: the risk/resource balance
Parental burnout results from a chronic imbalance between stressors (specific needs of the child, parental perfectionism, family conflicts, social pressure, etc.) and available resources (social support, co-parenting, emotional skills, time for oneself, etc.). In other words, parental burnout occurs when there is too much stress, for too long, with not enough resources to cope. The number, nature, and weight of stressors and resources in the balance is specific to each parent. Each burnout therefore has its own story, and parental burnout can happen to anyone! This balance model is now solidly scientifically validated and constitutes a valuable benchmark for understanding and managing the disorder.

 

Multiple and severe consequences
Parental burnout has a profound impact on the parent's mental and physical health: irritability, somatic disorders, thoughts of escape, and even suicidal thoughts. It also increases the risk of inappropriate parental behaviors, such as neglect or verbal and physical violence toward children. Also, children exhibit more emotional and behavioral disorders. Finally, parental burnout affects the marital relationship, generating tension and conflict within the couple.

 

Essential and effective support
Given its prevalence and consequences, parental burnout must be addressed . It does not disappear spontaneously. We have developed a targeted, scientifically validated treatment protocol that is based on a sustainable rebalancing of the risk/resource balance in the parent's life. This treatment not only allows for a significant reduction in symptoms, but also a reduction in the risk of neglect and violence towards children.

 

Training to provide better support
Effectively supporting parents with burnout requires specific knowledge, both diagnostic and therapeutic. That's why we offer online training for professionals, based on the latest research data and enhanced with practical clinical tools.