A survey examined the use of coping mechanisms by rural Saskatchewan principals and principals' perceptions of the effectiveness of coping mechanisms used. A modified form of the Ways of Coping questionnaire was mailed to 110 rural principals throughout Saskatchewan (Canada); 48 usable responses were returned. The questionnaire focused on eight types of coping mechanisms: confrontive coping, distancing, self-controlling, seeking social support, accepting responsibility, escape-avoidance, planful problem solving, and positive reappraisal. Virtually all respondents took 0-5 sick days in a school year; 40 percent reported enrollments of less than 100 students; and 66 percent did not have the assistance of a vice-principal. About two-thirds of principals rated their own ability to cope with the stresses of the principalship as "quite effective." The eight types of coping mechanisms were ranked very similarly with regard to use and effectiveness. Planful problem solving was rated the most used and the most effective type of mechanism; escape-avoidance was rated least used and least effective. School size was related to the effectiveness of four types of mechanisms, while the use or effectiveness of various types of mechanisms was related to principal's educational qualifications, school grade-span, and presence or absence of a vice-principal. Contains 60 references and lists of questionnaire statements associated with each type of coping mechanism. (SV)