Effects of demographic characteristics on burnout, psychological resilience, and family functioning in parents of children with disabilities

Abstract

Background

Parents of children with disabilities face unique challenges beyond typical parenting responsibilities. The ongoing demands of caregiving can increase burnout, negatively affecting psychological well-being and family functionality. Psychological resilience is crucial in managing stress and maintaining family dynamics, yet the relationship between burnout, resilience, and family functionality remains underexplored.

Objective

This study aims to examine the effects of demographic characteristics such as age, education level, marital status, and health status predict burnout, psychological resilience, and perceived family functioning among parents of children with disabilities.

Methods

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and February 2025 with the parents of individuals with disabilities attending Ağrı Ümit Aras Special Education and Rehabilitation Center who voluntarily participated and whose consent was obtained. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Family Assessment Device. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests were used to analyze relationships between demographic factors, burnout, resilience, and family functionality.

Results

Parents reported moderate burnout levels (31.10 ± 11.02), with emotional exhaustion being the most affected subscale. Psychological resilience was moderate to high (136.86 ± 22.13), with the highest scores in social resources and the lowest in structural style. Family functionality was moderately impaired (M ± 3.91), with problem-solving abilities being the weakest. Regression analyses showed that age, education level, and health status significantly predicted psychological resilience (R² = 0.27, p < 0.001) and burnout (R² = 0.28, p < 0.001). Parents with poor health conditions had higher burnout and lower resilience and family functionality.

Conclusions

Psychological resilience and social support serve as protective factors against burnout in parents of children with disabilities. Addressing problem-solving difficulties and enhancing social support can be key to reducing burnout and improving family well-being.