Abstract
Problem and purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify what female high school principals perceived as on-the-job stressors as identified by the Administrative Stress Index. This study compared the differences between identified stressors and coping preferences of new female high school principals in the job less than three years and female high school principals in the job for more than three years. Another purpose of this study was to identify what female high school principals employed as their preferred coping strategies. The final purpose of this study was to identify what experienced female high school principals recommend to prepare new or aspiring female high school principals for the stress of the job. Methodology. The design of the study was both descriptive and causal-comparative. Data were collected using the Administrative Stress Index and the Roesch Preference Coping Scale. Phone interviews to experienced female high school principals provided additional information. Findings and conclusions. The key findings from these data suggest the following conclusions: (1) the stressors for female high school principals were the lack of time needed to complete work, self-imposed high expectations, and compliance with state, federal, and local mandates; (2) female high school principals in the job for more than three years had significantly different perceptions of stress than new female high school principals; (3) the majority of female high school principals preferred to cope with stress by working longer and taking the work home; (4) experienced female high school principals recommended prioritizing, setting aside personal time, and delegating as important habits for new and aspiring female high school principals. Recommendations. Recommendations from the study include: (1) female high school principals need to increase nonwork-related coping strategies; (2) the supervisors of new female high school principals need to provide assistance with transitioning into the high school principal position; and (3) a study that investigates how healthy and effective high school principals manage time could be productive.