A Thematic Analysis of School Principals’ at Different Educational Levels Lived Experience of the Impact of Student Behavior on Their Personality Orientation: A Qualitative Study

Document Type : Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor of Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, University of Lorestan, Khorramabad, Iran.

2 PhD student in Educational Management, Department of Educational Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran.

10.22034/jsa.2025.144464.2608

Abstract

The present study aimed to conduct a thematic analysis of the lived experiences of school principals at various educational levels regarding the impact of student behavior on their personality orientation. This research employed a qualitative approach with an interpretive phenomenological strategy. A purposeful and criterion-based sampling method was used to select individuals with the most relevant information and experiences related to the research topic, and the criterion for continuing the research was based on theoretical saturation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and a total of 14 school principals from different educational levels in Susangerd were interviewed. The data were analyzed using a three-stage thematic content analysis method (open, axial, selective coding). The findings indicate that principals' interactions with students at different educational levels have varying impacts on their personal and professional orientation. Seven final categories (main categories) were extracted from the data analysis, which include: 1) Impact of Students' Age Maturity, 2) The Difference in Relationships in Academic Levels, 3) The Impact on Personality Dimensions, 4) Principals' Personal and Professional Development, 5) Job Satisfaction of Managers, 6) The Role of Internal and External Factors, and 7) Creativity of Elementary Managers. The research results demonstrate that principals' lived experiences of interacting with students influence their personality orientation. These effects vary across different educational levels (elementary, junior high, senior high) due to the developmental characteristics of students and the specific challenges of each level. This study can contribute to designing empowerment programs for principals, taking into account level-specific needs.

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 September 2025
  • Revise Date: 17 October 2025
  • Accept Date: 20 October 2025

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