MATERNAL BURNOUT: THE IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH OF SOLO MOTHERHOOD

Abstract

Maternal burnout, also known as parental burnout, is characterized as a state of chronic exhaustion associated with the experience of parenthood. This study aims to analyze the factors that contribute to the development of maternal burnout in single mothers, focusing on the effects on mental health and the daily challenges faced in balancing caregiving, work, and personal life. This is a qualitative literature review on the main factors that contribute to the development of maternal burnout in single mothers of young children. The study will use searches in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), the Electronic Journals Portal in Psychology (PEPSIC), the Virtual Health Library (BVS), PubMed, Google Scholar, and LILACS databases, as well as relevant government sources. The following descriptors were used: "Mental Health," "Parental Burnout," "Psychological Exhaustion," and "Maternal Behavior." Maternal burnout significantly impacts the mental health of single mothers, highlighting the emotional, physical, and social burden these mothers face. Single motherhood should be recognized as a context that requires specific attention, social support, and effective public policies aimed at reducing stress and anxiety, promoting a more realistic view of one's capabilities, and strengthening bonds with children, especially when supported by support networks.