The relationship between elementary principals' perceived job stress and sex role is examined. Questionnaires mailed to a random stratified sample of 200 elementary principals in Washington state (50 females, 150 males) yielded 172 useable returns, an 86 percent response rate. Two measurement instruments were used: the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) and the Administrative Stress Index (ASI) which measures stress in relation to four factors indicating the multidimensional aspects of the construct. Task-based stress was found to be a significantly higher source of stress than three other factors--role-based, boundary-spanning, and conflict-mediating stress. No significant difference existed between sex roles and the four factors of perceived job stress or between the amount of job stress perceived by male and female principals. A conclusion is that stress is dependent on a variety of individual and external factors and that there are not easy answers to what causes it. Coping strategies are briefly discussed. (17 references) (LMI)