The Principalship and Stress in the Workplace: An Observational and Physiological Study

Abstract

This study sought to identify stress when experienced by principals in their schools, to record the duration of periods of stress experienced, and to ascertain if and what particular administrative behaviors were associated with stress. Structured observation was used to record and time all activities of ten elementary school principals in Sydney, Australia. Observed stressful behavior was confirmed by the use of a tissue perfusion monitor—a physiological measure of stress. All principals were shown to experience stress—some at heavy levels for extended periods. Eight categories of stressors were identified.