Measuring the depth of reflection in reflective supervision/consultation sessions: Initial validation of the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS)

Research on reflective supervision and reflective consultation (RS/C) is limited, and has primarily relied on self-report measures and qualitative interviews. To our knowledge, no measures currently exist which provide a way to observationally measure what occurs during an RS/C session. Thus, the Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS) was created as a way to more objectively measure the quality of RS/C. This study sought to provide initial evidence around the reliability and validity of the RIOS through a sample of child welfare workers (N = 40) who participated in six online group reflective consultation sessions and completed self-report surveys after their first and last session. The RIOS was used to code the first and last session each participant attended. Results showed that in this sample the RIOS Essential Elements had good variability and strong reliability. The data suggested that the five Elements could be condensed into three subscales, two of which showed significant change over time. The Self Openness subscale showed concurrent validity with existing self-report measures of RS/C. Results suggest that the RIOS shows promise as a measure that could contribute to a more rigorous evidence base for the practice of RS/C.