ERIC Number: ED659806
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 218
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3835-8315-9
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The State of the School Principal: What Principals Demonstrating Satisfaction, Well-Being, and Happiness Do Differently
Amy Martin Balsbaugh
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Point Park University
This explanatory sequential mixed methods study examined factors relating to principal job demands, resources, satisfaction, well-being, and joy. The study investigated the relationship between the experienced duties of principals and the feelings of joy and satisfaction obtained. A literature review evidenced that a new generation of research regarding principal well-being needs to address the shifting expectations and duties placed on principals as the leaders serve in ever-changing and highly demanding positions and principal turnover is increasing (Buckman & Sloan, 2022; Jones, 2022). Previous research demonstrated a lack of attention to principal well-being as well as a lack of training in preparing leaders to balance and overcome the demands of the position (Mahfouz, 2020; Mahfouz & Richardson, 2021). For this study, 144 principals from 81 of Pennsylvania's 500 school districts representing diverse regions responded to a survey of questions from the Job-Demands Resources Questionnaire (Bakker, 2014). 12 outliers were identified who maintained the highest levels of job demands coupled with the highest levels of job satisfaction. The outliers participated in a semi-structured one-on-one interview via ZOOM which informed the qualitative analysis. For the quantitative portion of the study, multiple linear regression analysis yielded data regarding the relationship between principal job demands, job resources, well-being, and satisfaction. The quantitative findings indicated that principal job satisfaction is positively influenced by the practice of self-selected strategies for supporting well-being and by opportunities to have positive interactions with others. Intentional time spent on activities to promote well-being, as well as time spent with family, support positive principal well-being. The qualitative interviews supported the quantitative findings as the principals interviewed indicated supervisor support, staff relationships, and strategies for well-being as key factors in overcoming the impacts of experienced job demands. The findings from the research demonstrate life factors and wellbeing strategies leaders can work to implement to maintain joy and satisfaction in their work despite managing high levels of job demands and stresses. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: School Administration, Principals, Well Being, Psychological Patterns, School Districts, Job Satisfaction, Administrator Attitudes, Resources, Administrator Role
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A