Demographic Effects on Quality of Life among Superintendents

• Main Authors: Debra J. Heffernan, Teresa A. Wasonga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Athens Institute for Education and Research 2017-05-01
• Series: Athens Journal of Education
• Subjects: demographics; female school leaders; gender; quality of life; superintendents
• Online Access: http://www.athensjournals.gr/education/2017-4-2-4-Heffernan.pdf

The purpose of this study was to explore quality of life and demographic influences among Illinois school district superintendents. Quality of Life was defined as "individual’s subjective evaluation of the degree to which his or her most important needs, goals, and values are fulfilled" (Frisch, 1992, p. 29) leading to general state of happiness or well-being. Quantitative survey (Quality of Life Inventory) data came from 341 (40%) superintendents. Of these respondents, 87 were females and 254 were males. Female superintendents recorded higher mean scores in perceived levels of quality of life in 13 of 16 life areas. A significant effect size was found between superintends scoring "high" and those scoring "average" on overall quality of life. The findings indicate that either the superintendency has less adverse effects on female superintendents’ quality of life or female responses to the job mitigates the adverse effects.