Occupational stress and coping strategies as perceived by secondary school principals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of stress, burnout, and coping strategies among public secondary school principals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All public secondary school principals in Kuala Lumpur were asked to participate in the study. The principals provided a sample population of 82. There were 50 out of 82 survey packets returned, a 60.1 return rate. These principals were asked to complete a personal data sheet, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Administrative Stress Index, and the Roesch Coping Preference Scale. In addition to the survey questionnaires, interview sessions were conducted with 6 principals.; Results of the study show moderate levels of stress and burnout among secondary school principals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They reported stress from administrative constraints and administrative responsibilities. Their most preferred coping strategies to deal with stress were consulting techniques and recreational activities. These include discussing concerns with colleagues, delegating tasks, thinking about the future and listening to music.; Future studies should examine the causal link between administrative stress and coping preferences to draw implications for administrative training. Research into the feasibility of introducing mentoring for new principals and peer-support programs for more experienced principals may help lower stress levels in the principalship.