Job related and non-job related predictors of stress among Georgia special education directors, 1991

Factors which predict general and job-related stress levels of Georgia Special Education Directors were identified and analyzed. The research was based on responses to a seventy-nine item survey which was mailed to the entire population of Special Education Directors in Georgia. Eighty-one percent of the surveys were returned. The study allowed participants to identify personal and professional stressors in their lives. These were related to the characteristics of represented school systems and the characteristics of each Special Education Director. Data were analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at a pre-established significance level of .05 or a confidence level of 95%. A statistically significant relationship was found to exist between general stress and (a) job stress, (b) job satisfaction,and (c) overall health. Further, a statistically significant relationship was found to exist between perceived souces of job stress and (a) overallr health and (b) job satisfaction. No relationship was found to exist between the personal and professional characteristics of the Special Education Directors and general stress or job stress. Further, no relationship was found between general or job related stress of Special Education Directors and the characteristics of their respective school districts. Because the research was based on responses of 146 of the entire population of 180 Directors, recommendations are made which should benefit Georgia Special Education Directors and, ultimately, the students whom they serve