Coparenting and mindful parenting partially mediate the relationship between mothers' stress and parental burnout

Abstract Objective This study explored the relationship between perceived stress and parental burnout in mothers of children aged 4 to 6 years, with a focus on the roles of coparenting and mindful parenting. Background Coparenting and mindful parenting are two strategies that may buffer the impact of stress, yet their specific roles in mitigating parental burnout are not fully understood. Method A cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted involving 834 mothers in Türkiye (mean age = 35.2 years, SD = 3.9 years) who had children aged 4 to 6 years. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Parental Burnout Assessment, Coparenting Scale, and Mindfulness in Parenting Questionnaire. Results Findings showed a significant negative relationship between perceived stress levels and parental burnout. Perceived stress directly related to parental burnout and had indirect effects through coparenting (10.26%) and mindful parenting (10.99%), which together explained more than 20% of the total association observed in the model, indicating that these parenting processes may statistically mediate, but not causally determine, the link between perceived stress and parental burnout. Conclusion Coparenting and mindful parenting may be associated with a reduction in the relationship between stress and parental burnout. Implications Enhancing coparenting and mindful parenting strategies in family support programs could help alleviate stress and improve parental well‐being.