Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of burnout of high school principals and to identify the differences in personal behaviors of the high school principal with lower and higher levels of burnout. The study also determined different behaviors by personality types in the Ayurvedic system. This purpose of this study also was to determine if the personal behaviors varied by gender, age, or experience. Methodology. Descriptive and ex post facto research was used to investigate the personal behaviors of high school principals who had high and low levels of burnout. In addition, the Ayurvedic personality type was identified for each high school principal. Major findings. (1) Twenty-nine percent of the respondents reported extremely high levels of burnout; 12 percent of the respondents reported extremely low levels of burnout. (2) Principals who emphasized identified areas of personal behaviors were significantly more likely to report low levels of burnout. Principals who reported higher incidence of identified personal behaviors were significantly more likely to report lower levels of burnout. (3) There was a significant difference in the personal for those reporting lower burnout. There was also a significant difference in identified personal behaviors for those reporting lower levels of burnout. (4) There was a significant relationship between the physical dimension and low levels of burnout when related to burnout. (5) There were significant differences in the personal behaviors by age group, experience, and gender. Conclusions. (1) Burnout may be personally controlled by personal behaviors. (2) Personal behaviors must be significantly different between genders in order to avoid burnout. (3) Personal behaviors that emphasize the physical well-being are significant contributors to avoiding burnout. (4) Ayurvedic personality types are another method to contribute to avoiding burnout. (5) The burnout level of leaders is determined by their personal behaviors. Recommendations. (1) Personal behaviors must be understood by principals in order to avoid burnout; (2) awareness about personal health is important to efficacy; (3) burnout is a contemporary issue and Ayurvedic is another tool; (4) staff development for health and burnout; (5) study tasks and organization issues.