Rommel, Jodie, authorCooner-Gines, Donna, advisorFothergill, Wendy, committee memberFrederiksen, Heidi, committee memberEnns, Kellie, committee member2022-05-302022-05-302022https://hdl.handle.net/10217/235259This study aimed to understand the sources of stress new school leaders identify and how that stress influences them and what coping strategies or stress management techniques school leaders employ to stay healthy within this profession. Semi-structured focus groups were utilized to elicit thick, rich descriptions of participants' experiences. Extensive data sets were collected over several years from 17 focus group interviews. Narrative analysis of participants' responses provided findings on the stress they experienced, including lack of preparation for the role, pressure to perform, isolation, unattainable work-life balance, time constraints, and compassion fatigue. They also indicated that chronic workplace stress was impacting their health and wellbeing. As the participants developed as leaders, they were able to minimize many of the stressors they still encountered by enlisting a wide variety of stress management techniques, including cognitive appraisal, self-reflection, prioritizing goals, setting healthy boundaries, establishing strong support systems, and reconnecting with their purpose.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.new school leadersstress and healthstress managementstresscoping mechanismsstress and school leadersText