Stress management strategies among female heads in basic schools in Cape Coast metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the sources, manifestations, and coping strategies of stress among female heads in basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Furthermore, the study sought to find out whether there were indicators of stress among female heads when performing their multiple roles. The theoretical review centred on the importance of education, leadership roles of female heads of basic schools, women in the workforce and as leaders, the concept of stress, and coping strategies which involved constructive and counter productive coping strategies. The study was a descriptive research. Forty (40) female heads of basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis were involved in the study. The questionnaire was the main instrument used in the collection of data for the study. The major fmding of the study was that there existed differences in sources and manifestations of stress among female basic school heads in terms of indicators, and the multiple roles, and workload. There were no significant differences in coping strategies, adopted by these female heads. It was found that majority of the female school heads adopted constructive coping strategies in dealing with stress. Recommendations were offered in relation to the means of helping reduce stress levels among female basic school heads. Pertinent among these were delegation of duties to subordinates, good planning of school and home activities, taking punitive measures, and good interaction with teachers and parents.