A Frequent and Underdiagnosed Phenomenon

Parental burnout is a syndrome distinct from ordinary parental stress, currently affecting between 3% and 8% of parents in the general population. It is therefore a frequent condition, with serious consequences, and yet still too often misunderstood or inadequately addressed.

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A Well-Established Etiology: The Risk/Resource Balance

Parental burnout results from a chronic imbalance between stress factors (such as children’s specific needs, parental perfectionism, family conflicts, social pressure, etc.) and available resources (such as social support, coparenting, emotional skills, personal time, etc.). In other words, parental burnout occurs when there is too much stress, for too long, with insufficient resources to cope. The number, nature, and weight of these stressors and resources vary from one parent to another. Each case of burnout has its own trajectory, and parental burnout can happen to anyone. This balance model is now scientifically well-validated and serves as a valuable framework for both understanding and managing the condition.

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Multiple and Severe Consequences

Parental burnout has a profound impact on the parent’s mental and physical health, leading to irritability, somatic complaints, escape ideation, and even suicidal thoughts. It also increases the risk of maladaptive parenting behaviors, such as neglect or verbal and physical violence toward children. As a result, children are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral difficulties. Finally, parental burnout strains the couple relationship, generating tension and conflict within the partnership.

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Essential and Effective Intervention

Given its prevalence and consequences, parental burnout requires proper intervention. It does not resolve spontaneously. We have developed a targeted, scientifically validated treatment protocol designed to sustainably rebalance the risks/resources equation in parents’ lives. This intervention not only leads to a significant reduction in symptoms, but also decreases the risk of neglect and violence toward children.

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Training to Better Support Parents

Effectively supporting parents experiencing burnout requires specific expertise, both diagnostically and therapeutically. For this reason, we offer an online training program for professionals, grounded in the latest research findings and enriched with practical clinical tools.

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