“Mission Impossible”; the Mothering of a Child With Type 1 Diabetes – From the Perspective of Mothers Experiencing Burnout

Abstract

PurposeTo explore how mothers experiencing burnout describe their mothering of a child with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), with a focus on their experienced need for control and self-esteem. MethodsThis study used a qualitative, descriptive design and aimed to reveal the experience of mothering a child with diabetes when experiencing burnout. Twenty-one mothers of children with T1DM who were experiencing burnout participated in this study. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, and content analysis was performed. ResultsThe main results (latent content of the data) were interpreted in one theme, Mission impossible, an inner feeling derived from an extremely challenging experience of mothering, encompassing involuntary responsibility and constant evaluation. Two sub-themes emerged: Forced to provide extraordinary mothering and Constant evaluation of the mothering. ConclusionsIn addition to monitoring the health of the child with T1DM, it is important for clinicians to pay attention to how mothers experience their daily life in order to support those who are at risk of developing burnout, as well as those who are experiencing burnout. The wellbeing of the mother could influence the wellbeing of the child, as well as the entire family. Further research on perceived parental responsibility, gender differences, psychosocial factors, and burnout is needed. Practice ImplicationsKnowledge and understanding of how mothers suffering from burnout experience mothering a child with diabetes could help nurses, social workers, psychologists and counselors conducting pediatric diabetes care become more attentive to the mother's situation and have procedures for counseling interventions.