Relationship between Type B personality trait and stress management among secondary school principals in Kenya

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.