Bidirectional dynamics between the individual and dyadic subsystems in a family: Parental burnout, parent–child interactions, and the role of social support

Abstract

Many parents have days when they encounter parental burnout, which might change with their daily experience. Studies have examined how parental burnout derives from and influences parent–child interactions. However, from a family systems perspective, it remains unclear whether parental burnout (individual subsystem) and parent–child interactions (dyadic subsystem) are bidirectionally associated in daily life and what family-level resources influence this process. This study aims to reveal the dynamic bidirectional relationships between maternal daily parental burnout and parent–child interactions (i.e., warmth and conflict), as well as the moderating role of the mother's perceived social support from friends or other family members. A total of 172 mother–child dyads (children aged 8–12) completed daily diaries for 21 consecutive days. Dynamic structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Significant day-to-day bidirectional relations were found between parental burnout and both warmth and conflict. Additionally, the social support perceived on the previous day moderated the effects of parent–child interactions on next-day parental burnout, but the moderating effect on the reverse direction was not observed. The results highlighted a dynamic and self-perpetuating loop in family and underscored the protective role of social support in this process. These insights offered guidance for family interventions to promote caregivers' well-being and enhance parent–child relationships.