The phenomenon of stress and health promoting behaviors among college and university presidents: A quantitative and qualitative analysis

This mixed methods study measured perceived stress among college and university presidents, profiled their health behaviors, and assessed the correlation between health promoting behaviors and perceived stress levels. 439 presidents representing a range of institutions completed the survey. The survey combined two widely validated instruments—the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Health Promoting Life Profile II (HPLPII)—to measure presidents\u27 perception of stress and profile their health behaviors. The findings demonstrated a negative correlation (R= -.46, p\u3c.001) between health behaviors and perceived stress. All six subscales: spiritual growth, interpersonal relations, stress management, nutrition, health responsibility and physical activity negatively correlated with perceived stress, albeit at different levels. Interviews with a group of twenty presidents (representing research intensive doctoral universities, community colleges, women\u27s colleges, faith-based institutions, historic Black colleges, liberal arts colleges, masters universities and a medical school) further explored the phenomenon of the personal experience of leading a college or university. Presidents provided detailed descriptions of the most fulfilling aspects of the job, their personal experience of stress, internal and external stressors, and a range of coping mechanisms. This study can benefit new, prospective and current presidents by describing the challenges of leading a college or university as well as setting out a series of best practices. The study will give governing boards an insight into the demands and rewards of the presidency. Professional associations will be able to incorporate new information and insights from experienced leaders into their \u27new president\u27 programs