Occupational stress, job satisfaction and coping actions among Cyprus headteachers

Abstract

This study assessed occupational stress amongst 241 headteachers of Primary and Secondary State Schools in Cyprus. Data were collected on demographics, sources of stress, overall stress, job satisfaction and coping actions. Over forty per cent of the respondents found their job as a headteacher either very stressful or extremely stressful. Overall stress was not found to be related to any of the demographic variables. The study revealed that the top sources of stress were mainly related to teachers. Results also showed that headteachers who reported greater stress were less satisfied with their job. It was also found that more experienced headteachers were more satisfied with their occupation. Group differences in sources of stress and coping actions were found as well.