
Maynooth U. study indicates heightened levels of stress and anxiety.
A Maynooth University study has found 30% of primary school principals and deputy principals say they are working more than 50 hours a week
860 school leaders took part in the study on wellbeing in primary schools, post-pandemic.
20% principals were found to be experiencing symptoms of severe stress when their responses were analysed using a scale to measure depression, anxiety, and stress.
Congratulations @JolantaBurke and colleagues @MU_Education . Being a principal was always a busy and difficult job. #covid19 has only added to these challenges. More supports required to enable them to focus on core role instead of continuous fire fighting #education #schools https://t.co/IA9lvXaxZb
— Cathal McCauley (@cathalmccauley) May 5, 2021
A separate cohort of 20% were experiencing anxiety, and a further 11% experienced depression.
The latter figure is in line with the national average.
Post-pandemic, those taking part pointed to a number of tasks that could be centralised in order to help ease their workload.
Most commonly cited were building works, and the hiring of substitute teachers.
The study was co-authored by Dr Jolanta Burke and Dr Majella Dempsey of Maynooth University's Department of Education.
Dr. Burke joined Clem Ryan on this morning's edition of Kildare Today.