Correction of burnout syndrome in women raising children with delayed speech development

Abstract

Introduction.  In the modern world, the psychological health of parents raising children with special needs is an issue of growing concern. Research indicates that mothers of children with delayed psychological and verbal development are at increased risk of emotional burnout due to chronic stress associated with their children’s developmental characteristics, the demands of balancing multiple social roles, and often inadequate social support. The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a comprehensive psychological intervention program designed to mitigate emotional burnout syndrome among women raising children with delayed psychological and verbal development. Materials and methods. The study involved 60 women, aged 25 to 45 years, residing in Neftekamsk and the Krasnokamsk District (Republic of Bashkortostan). Participants were divided into 2 groups of 30 individuals each (control and experimental). All participants were mothers of preschool- or primary school-aged children diagnosed with delayed psychomotor development. Emotional burnout was assessed using the following instruments: the Freiburg Personality Inventory (FPI); B. Potter's Diagnostics of Emotional Burnout Risk; and a modified version of I.N. Efimova’s “Parental Burnout” questionnaire. A psychological intervention program was developed and implemented, comprising the following modules: practical sessions on relevant thematic issues; group and individual creative activities; training exercises; relaxation techniques; and follow-up assessment. Results. Statistically significant differences between pre- and post-intervention assessments in the experimental group, along with reduced levels of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment, indicate a significant improvement in emotional well-being. Correlation and regression analyses demonstrate that personality traits such as depressiveness, emotional lability, and neuroticism are significant risk factors for emotional burnout, whereas higher levels of sociability, emotional stability, and openness were associated with lower severity of the syndrome. Conclusion. The developed comprehensive psychological intervention program is an effective instrument for alleviating emotional burnout syndrome among women raising children with delayed psychomotor development. Its implementation led to significant improvements in emotional well-being, personality dimensions, and specific manifestations of parental burnout in this population.