The parental burnout and the professional burnout: a comparison of their impacts on the cognitive functions

Abstract

<ns3:p>The aim of this study was to determine the impact of parental and occupational burnout on the cognitive functions of adults. Parental burnout, as a form of chronic stress related to caregiving responsibilities, may lead to significant cognitive impairments that affect daily functioning and the quality of parent–child relationships.The study involved a large population divided into three groups, balanced by gender. Participants were carefully selected, and a psychological test was used to assess cognitive functions, including sustained attention, processing speed, working memory, executive functions, and cognitive flexibility. Statistical analyses included linear regression and K-means classification.The results showed that changes in cognitive functions were significantly more pronounced in the group suffering from parental burnout compared to those experiencing occupational burnout. Regression analysis confirmed the strong predictive value of parental burnout in relation to cognitive deficits. K-means classification further highlighted notable changes in attention and performance decline among parents with burnout. Stress intensity was higher in this group and was associated with chronic fatigue resulting from continuous responsibility.The study enabled differentiation between parental and occupational burnout not only on a psychological level but also on a neuropsychological level. Parental burnout represents a form of chronic stress that negatively affects cognitive functions, daily life performance, parenting quality, and indirectly, child development.</ns3:p>