Keeping Cystic Fibrosis in its Place: Parents’ Perceptions of the Condition, its Family Impact, and Parental Burnout

Parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) face challenges associated with their child’s chronic condition, which can be time-consuming and highly stressful. However, so far, there are no studies assessing parental burnout in parents of children with CF. This study examined correlates of parental burnout in 33 parents of children and adolescents with CF, analyzing their perceptions about their child’s condition, its perceived impact on the family, and parental burnout. The participants were 33 parents who completed self-reported questionnaires regarding their perceptions of the severity of their child’s condition and its impact on their daily lives, the perceived impact of the condition on the family, and parental burnout. Results showed a positive association between parents’ perception of the severity of their child’s condition and parental burnout. Additionally, this association was moderated by the perceived impact of CF on the family. For parents who perceived a higher effect of CF on the family, the association between parents’ perception of condition severity and parental burnout was stronger. This study’s findings contribute to our understanding of the experiences of families with children with CF and improve professionals’ ability to intervene and support them.