Mentalization and Self-Compassion as Predictors of Parental Burnout Among Parents of Children With Disabilities

Parents of children with disabilities face a high risk of parental burnout due to caregiving demands. This study examined whether mentalization and self-compassion protect against burnout. Conducted in Iran during the 2020–2021 academic year, it involved 911 parents (Mage = 40.02 ± 7.14). Participants completed the Parental Burnout Inventory, Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, and Self-Compassion Scale. Data were analyzed using frequency assessment, X2 tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Generalized Additive Models with SPSS-22 and R 4.0.3. Results showed 1.6% experienced severe burnout, and 26.8% moderate burnout. Higher reflective functioning—both lower tendencies toward hypermentalizing and hypomentalizing—was linked to lower burnout levels. The relationship between self-compassion and burnout was curvilinear: moderate levels of self-compassion were linked to the lowest burnout, while both very low and very high levels were associated with higher burnout risk. Maintaining a balanced capacity for reflective functioning and self-compassion may help reduce parental burnout. These findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as mentalization-based therapy and self-compassion training, could strengthen resilience among caregivers.