Child protection workers' understanding of the meaning and value of self-reflection in Estonia. Issue 2 (4th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toros, Karmen; LaSala, Michael C.
• Is Part Of: Reflective practice. Volume 20:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 266
• Page End: 278
• Publication Date: 2019-03-04
• Subjects: Self-reflection -- child protection worker -- self-understanding -- supervision; Professions -- Periodicals; Reflection (Philosophy) -- Periodicals; Thought and thinking -- Periodicals; Self-knowledge, Theory of -- Periodicals; Career development -- Periodicals; 370.15
• DOI: 10.1080/14623943.2019.1588718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-3943

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article describes an exploratory qualitative study in Estonia that focuses on how child protection workers ( N = 93) perceive and understand the meaning and value of self-reflection. Participants discussed self-reflection in the context of self-analysis, motivation to improve professional performance, negative self-appraisal, and feedback from peers and clients. The findings highlight the workers' emphasis on self-perceived weaknesses, reflecting Estonian cultural norms which eschew self-praise and focus on deficits rather than strengths and possibilities. Self-reflection was mainly associated with a cognitive process, namely learning from the experience. This study underscores the need to guide and encourage child protection workers to adopt and apply systematic and possibly less critical self-reflection so that they can strengthen their decision-making process to promote the well-being of children and their families in the child welfare system.