The Mediating Role of Social Support in Burnout Levels and Life Satisfaction Among Mothers of Children Diagnosed With Diabetes

Abstract

Mothers’ well-being and the factors influencing it have gained increasing attention in recent research. This study explores the mediating role of perceived social support in the relationship between burnout and life satisfaction among mothers of children aged 5 to 18 with type 1 diabetes. The cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to March 30, 2024, and involved 202 mothers. The study was conducted in Turkey, and data were collected online through a form shared via WhatsApp from mothers who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed, and a P value of .05 was considered statistically significant. Results indicated that social support significantly reduced parental burnout (F = 5.860, P = .003) and positively impacted life satisfaction (F = 19.126, P < .001). Conversely, higher burnout levels negatively affected life satisfaction (F = 20.909, P < .001). Ultimately, social support was found to fully mediate the association between parental burnout and life satisfaction, with the direct link between burnout and life satisfaction no longer observed.