Occupational Stress Coping Mechanisms and Work Performance of Elementary School Administrators in Region I

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the occupational stress, coping mechanisms and level of work performance of elementary school administrators. Specifically, it answered the specific objectives such as the profile of elementary school administrators, degree of stress manifestation, frequency of utilization of coping mechanisms, level of work performance, the relationship between their profile and the degree of stress manifestation, the relationship between their stress manifestations and the coping mechanisms applied, and the relationship between their profile and level of work performance. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational type of research, a guided response type of questionnaire as chief data gathering instrument was used. The information gathered were tabulated and analyzed using the frequency counts, percentage, weighted mean, rank, chi-square statistics and Spearman’s Rank-Order Correlation. The respondents of the study are Elementary School Administrators of Region I. This study revealed that majority of Region I school administrators are female, middle-aged, married, and are in service as administrators for 5 years and less; while most of them are master’s degree holder, Principal I, handling medium-sized schools and are supervising 25 and less teachers. Furthermore, they are moderately-stressed economically, socially and professionally. They are also more professionally-stressed than being stressed on a personal level. They oftentimes undergo good physical health program; establish intellectual, social and spiritual support; maintain positive attitude; uphold realistic perspective; practice time management and organization; and attain increased involvement in order to cope up with stress. They are highly competent on Self-Management, Professionalism and Ethics, Results Focus, Teamwork, Service Orientation, Innovation, Leading People, People Performance Management and People Development. Their profile variables have significant effect on stress manifestation, therefore, the null hypothesis is rejected. Their degree of stress manifestation has a direct effect on the frequency of utilization of stress coping mechanisms; making the null hypothesis rejected. Lastly, their profile variables have no significant effect on their level of work performance, hence, accepting the null hypothesis.