Date of Award

1998

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Gary Chamberlin, PHD

Abstract

Stress research studies of medical residents in the 1970s and 1980s found that female residents cope less well than male residents. Coping strategies, as well as origins and impact of stress, of 12 female residents were examined in the contexts of their environment. This qualitative ethnographic study was organized around the transactional cognitive theory of stress and coping. Female residents coped well, with use of a variety of strong support relationships, and were creative and flexible in combining their personal and professional lives. The quality of interpersonal communication and support, rather than the existence, appeared to have the greatest effect on stress reduction. Institutional social inequity emerged, with the need for written parental leave policies to create more efficient learning environments.

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