The development of the Psychotherapists' Supervision Preferences Questionnaire—Derived from the Proctor Model

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe Proctor Model describes three core functions of clinical supervision: formative, restorative and normative. While having high face validity as a tool for measuring supervision preferences that can facilitate the formulation of the supervision contract, its construct validity is unclear, and the literature suggests a more all‐encompassing model by including a reflective component.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the construct validity of the Proctor Model and use these results to develop a short instrument that can facilitate the formulation of the supervision contract.MethodThrough a literature review and expert discussions, a 28‐item inventory was created. After pilot‐testing and revisions, the inventory was administered to 204 psychotherapists. These data were analysed with factor analysis, leading to a revised version that was enrolled in a second sample of 125 psychotherapists.ResultsFactor analysis of the first sample suggested a five‐factor solution as the formative function consisted of two separate constructs: conceptual (receiving role of the therapist and theoretical focus) and experiential (active role of the therapist, skill‐based and feedback‐oriented). The restorative function composed of sharing thoughts and feelings and being validated and recognised. Pre‐theorised restorative items describe an active handling of distressing feelings loaded on the reflective function. Analysis of the second sample confirmed the suggested five‐factor structure and gave support for overall replicated psychometric properties. Regression and correlation analyses showed preliminary evidence for convergent and divergent validity.ConclusionThe results provide a more nuanced understanding of the Proctor Model and provide the field with a psychometrically sound instrument for the formulation of the supervision contract.