In the era of low fertility, negative parenting experiences significantly reduce fertility intentions. Parental burnout, a negative emotional state associated with fulfilling parental responsibilities, has garnered widespread attention in academic research. Prior research predominantly concentrated on the micro-level analysis or a narrow cultural standpoint, neglecting an in-depth exploration of the complex social mechanisms underlying parental burnout. This study proposes the “Cultural Field Tension Hypothesis” and employs a hierarchical linear model to explore the effects of cultural field tension on parental burnout by using data from 14 post-fertility transition countries. The results show that individualistic cultural tendencies, female labour force participation, childcare service coverage, and the degree of gender inequality are all strongly associated with the severity of parental burnout. From the perspective of parental burnout, this study highlights the need to reassess current fertility support policies. Gender-equal policies should be promoted to foster the synergistic progress of the family and society in achieving gender equality and to enhance the positive experience of individuals in the childbearing process.