Validation of the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS) in Reflective Consultation for Child Welfare Workers

Abstract

Child welfare workers are at high risk for burnout and turnover due to the emotional stress associated with their work. Reflective Consultation (RC) is a professional development strategy designed to address these issues by increasing professionals’ reflective capacity. However, little research has been done on RC’s effectiveness. This study aimed to examine the effects of RC on child welfare workers. Results showed that child welfare workers built effective group relationships across the 6 months. From pre to post, groups deepened their openness/vulnerability, and had greater reflection on parallel process (the interconnectedness of relationships). Individuals significantly increased their ratings of self-efficacy in RC and their positive perceptions of their consultant. Also, compassion satisfaction in their work was rated higher at the end of the experience. In sum, results are consistent with the hypothesis that reflective consultation increases compassion satisfaction and decreases burnout/secondary traumatic stress, although higher doses of consultation than in this study may be more beneficial.