Numerous studies indicate that an individual's perception of internal or external control over life events ("perceived locus of control") is a personality variable that influences the perception of a situation as threatening or stress-inducing. Whether for reasons of personality or because of "situational powerlessness," the more powerless an individual feels, the higher will be the level of stress. Statistical analysis of results of a questionnaire survey of 302 principals in 2 western New York counties suggests that principals have a strong internally oriented perceived locus of control and experience low degrees of situational powerlessness as well as relatively low levels of stress. Results also indicate that women tend to perceive less stress than men and that principals who exhibit low internality are more adversely affected by job stress than are those who evidence high internality. Schools may thus do well to hire internally oriented individuals and women as principals. Greater participation in decision-making, plus counseling programs that prepare principals for on-the-job situations, may alleviate stress. (JBM)