Health and Work of the Principals of Kindergarten: Impact of Menopausal Symptoms on Kindergarten Management

Abstract

This study was aimed at examining what effect kindergarten principals’ menopausal symptoms has on their managerial work. We interviewed a total of 10 kindergarten principals aged 40-60 and analyzed the interview data based on the process of the thematic analysis. Regarding the menopausal symptoms, some of the participants perceived physical or emotional symptoms, while the others did not perceived them. As to the effect of health on work, the menopausal symptoms affected their private life as well as the kindergarten management. However, the participants tended to overcome the effect of menopausal symptoms with experience, will, effort, sense of reward from their work, and support from their coworkers. Furthermore, the participants have needs on health. They have not only physical symptoms including fatigue but also emotional pressure due to the role as a head of kindergarten. Moreover, health was not the priority and a subordinate to work.