An investigation of sources of stress among chief administrative officers in Christian Schools International member institutions

The focus of this study was an examination of stress among administrative officers within Christian Schools International (CSI) schools in the United States. Administrators from 304 schools were surveyed to determine levels of stress for various administrative tasks. Demographic information was also collected. Interaction studies were performed using the statistically significant stressors with other stressors and with demographic variables. Through peer nomination, exemplary administrators were selected for comparison to the population and for ratings concerning administrative preparation and for coping strategies.

The study revealed eight statistically significant stressors for administrators: time away from family, interruptions in personal schedule, complaints received, conflicts to mediate, instructional supervision, student discipline, job description implementation, and personal finances. The highest number of interactions were found with supervision of instruction and implementing the job description.

The stress ratings of the exemplary administrators did not differ significantly from those of the general population with the exception of the implementation of the job description. All of the nominated headmasters ranked formal training, mentoring programs, and experience as very high in terms of suitability for preparation for administration. The administrators also cited a variety of coping strategies.

The conclusions of the study were: 1. administrators sensed stress in their personal lives, focusing time on task, and interpersonal conflict; 2. preparation from a variety of sources was beneficial for effective administration; and 3. individuals require unique coping strategies concerning stress.

Recommendations were: training should be offered to help administrators develop strategies concerning coping and focusing time on tasks. Because of the similarities of ratings regardless of most demographic variables, moving to different situations was not an appropriate coping strategy. School boards should consider appropriate compensation for administrators to reduce the stress of personal finances.