‘Can I Last the Distance?’ Stress and School Leadership

Abstract

This research study investigated how principals in a national, Christian independent school system cope with stress. Using a double-phased, mixed-methods approach combining questionnaires and in-depth interviews, school principals' stressors and their reactions to these stressors were examined. Coping strategies used by principals to reduce or manage their stress were also explored. Forty-seven principals participated in the study and of these, 23 indicated a serious level of stress. The study highlighted a preference for using stress managers (a secondary approach), rather than stress reducers (a primary approach). Specifi c grouping of stressors into ten clusters suggested particular areas to be targeted for professional development and systemic reform.