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Abstract
This conceptual article presents a review of the research concerning the stress level of principals over the past three decades, with emphasis on the occupational stress that principals encounter because of heightened accountability and expectations for student achievement. Mindfulness meditation, as a stress management intervention, provides the theoretical background for this article; the scientific evidence concerning benefits of mindfulness meditations are reviewed. Finally, the author presents suggestions for the prevention and reduction of stress for principals.
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Author Biography
Caryn M. Wells, PhD, is an associate professor for the Department of Educational Leadership for Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. Her research agenda includes school leadership, teacher leadership, stress levels and mindfulness meditation, and PLC implementation. She is a former teacher of English, counselor, assistant, and principal, all at the high school level.
