Biological correlates of parental burnout: investigation of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Details

Supervisors

Mikolajczak, Moïra ; Tajeddine, Nicolas

Faculty

Faculté de psychologie, logopédie, sexologie et des sciences de la famille

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences psychologiques, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Parenting can be as fulfilling as it can be challenging; when strains accumulate and are not balanced by sufficient resources, parental burnout can occur. Recent studies showed concerningly high levels of hair cortisol in individuals suffering from parental burnout. However, we do not know more about biological correlates of parental burnout. This study aimed to further explore biological correlates of this disorder by investigating markers of glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and inflammation. In a sample of 47 parents, we collected data including self-reported measures, anthropometric parameters, and biological parameters, through an online questionnaire, blood samples and home visits. We then examined the relationship between parental burnout and several biological and anthropometric parameters, including glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, ultrasensitive CRP, malondialdehyde, oxidized LDL, body mass index, abdominal circumference, heart rate and blood pressure. However, the obtained results did not yield sufficient statistical significance, preventing us from drawing concrete conclusions, and moreover showed contrary patterns to what we had hypothesized. These results highlight the need for further research including a larger and more diverse sample, as well as other health variables.