An ecological approach to caregiver burnout: Interplay of self-stigma, family resilience, and caregiver needs among mothers of children with special needs

Abstract

Introduction: Using an ecological framework, this study investigated how individual perceptions (self-stigma), family dynamics (family resilience), and external support systems (caregiver needs) interacted with each other to impact caregiver burnout among mothers of children with special needs (SN) in Hong Kong. Methods: A total of 250 Chinese mothers of children with SN in Hong Kong completed an online survey.

Results: Pearson correlation analyses indicated that high levels of caregiver burnout were significantly related to high levels of self-stigma, high levels of unmet caregiver needs, and low levels of family resilience. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant main effects and a 3-way interaction effect of these three factors on caregiver burnout. The significant 3-way (self-stigma X family resilience X caregiver needs) interaction effect showed that in conditions of low self-stigma, the highest level of caregiver burnout was found among mothers with low family resilience and high caregiver needs. Conversely, in conditions of high self-stigma, the highest level of burnout was observed among mothers with high family resilience and high caregiver needs.

Discussion: The findings of this study underscore the necessity of a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to effectively reducing the caregiving burden among Chinese mothers of children with SN. Addressing caregiver burnout in these mothers requires simultaneous efforts to reduce self-stigma through psychological support, educate families to manage expectations and alleviate pressure, and enhance society resources to meet caregiver needs.