Parent burnout in the COVID-19 pandemic: In the context of personality traits, perfectionism, and demographic variables

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the burnout levels of parents during the COVID-19 pandemic within the framework of personality traits, perfectionism, and demographic variables. Data were derived from Personal Information Form, International Personality Inventory Short Version, the Big Three Perfectionism Scale–Short Form, and Parent Burnout Assessment. In total, 584 parents (333 mothers, 251 fathers, Mage = 39.93; SD = 6.33) living in Türkiye during COVID-19 lockdown participated in the survey. Results showed that the level of parent burnout differs according to the parent’s gender, the child’s age, the time spent with the child, the perception of the emotional relationship with the spouse, and the work form during the pandemic. Personality differences in parent burnout were explored according to the Five Factor Theory of Personality. A high level of neuroticism, a high level of introversion, and a low level of conscientiousness were found to be risk factors for parent burnout. Results indicated that parent burnout is also positively related to perfectionism, in particular self-critical perfectionism, and does not differ according to parents’ COVID-19 experiences. This study provides some useful information and guidelines for mental health professionals in preventive and therapeutic practices for parent burnout that may have negative effects on parents, children, and families. It is also a rare study that included the representation of fathers in the context of parent burnout.