Abstract:
The study investigated the Relationship between Type B Personality Trait
and Stress Management among Secondary School Principals in Kenya. Kelly’s
personal construct theory supported by Carl Rogers Person Centred theory
informed the study. The study adopted a Convergent Parallel research
design within the Mixed Method approach. From a population of 295
principals, the study sample size was 169 principals obtained using
stratified random sampling. Quantitative data was collected using
Personality Questionnaire and Stress Management Questionnaire while an
interview schedule was used to collect qualitative data from twenty (20)
principals. Validity of the research instrument was ensured through expert
judgement by the University lecturers. The reliability of the research
instruments was determined by the use of Cronbach’s Alpha and a co-efficient
(r= 0.814) was obtained. The quantitative data was analyzed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows version 22 as well
as Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient while qualitative data
was analyzed using thematic analysis. The study established a positive
relationship between Type B personality trait and stress management (r= .620).
Qualitative results revealed that most principals used multi-tasking to
manage and accomplish their tasks thus reducing their stress. It is
envisaged that this study would provide valuable information to the
secondary school principals on how to overcome stressful situations
within their schools. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education
should induct newly appointed principals on how to enhance their
intrapersonal traits; this would help them understand how to manage
stressful situations in their schools.
