PERFECTIONISM AND PARENTAL BURNOUT: A THEORETICAL REVIEW
Main Article Content
Abstract
This paper aims to clarify the theoretical relationship between perfectionism and parental burnout. Perfectionism is conceptualized as a multidimensional construct characterized by the pursuit of exceedingly high standards accompanied by harsh self-evaluation. The study adopts the model proposed by Frost et al. (1990), using the revised version of the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS) suggested by Stoeber (1998), which comprises four dimensions: (1) concern over mistakes and doubts about actions; (2) parental expectations and criticism; (3) personal standards; and (4) organization. Parental burnout is conceptualized as a psychological syndrome resulting from chronic stress in the parenting role, manifested in four dimensions according to Roskam et al. (2018): exhaustion in the parental role, contrast with one’s previous parental self, feelings of being fed up with the parental role, and emotional distancing from one’s children. Theoretical analysis indicates that perfectionism is a significant risk factor positively associated with parental burnout, with this relationship being explained through mediating and moderating mechanisms. From the perspective of the balance between risks and resources theory, perfectionism increases psychological pressure and depletes personal resources, thereby elevating the risk of burnout. The findings contribute to clarifying the theoretical relationship between perfectionism and parental burnout and provide a foundation for future empirical research.
Keywords
perfectionism, parental burnout, the link between perfectionism and parental burnout, reasoning.
Article Details
References
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