A Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Scores on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) Scale Across Sample Characteristics

Abstract

The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) has an extensive history of use that often relies on inductions of reliability from precedent literature. We completed a systematic of the literature and extracted sample-specific reliability estimates for ProQOL subscale scores. Random effects meta-analytic modeling was implemented to identify mean estimates of reliability. Secondary analyses were completed to depict generalization across samples and possible scores in future studies. Our analyses detected mean internal consistency estimates for the Compassion Satisfaction (.875), Secondary Traumatic Stress (.808), and Burnout (.754) similar to those reported in the ProQOL manual. However, secondary analyses revealed statistical variations associated with the professional identity and proportions of ethnicity represented within samples. ProQOL score reliability has remained fairly stable over time with scores for Compassion Satisfaction and Secondary Traumatic Stress supporting use in basic research, but not clinical decision making, the Burnout scale was associated with more questionable precision.

Keywords:

• Professional quality of life
• reliability
• compassion satisfaction
• secondary traumatic stress
• burnout

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Significance Statement

Professional Quality of Life Scale scores are widespread in the healthcare literature in association with related protective and risk factors. Our findings suggest score reliability variations between scales and across characteristics such as age, gender, and professional identity. Caution is recommended for use in basic research and clinically relevant activities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. Stephen Lenz

A. Stephen Lenz is a professor of Counselor Education at Texas A&M University-San Antonio who specializes in the development and evaluation of assessments, as well as, the integration of the social determinants of mental health within counselor training and practice.

Carla Smith

Carla Smith is an assistant professor of counselor education at Texas A&M University-San Antonio who specializes in issues related to school counseling practice.

Amber Meegan

Amber Meegan is a graduate of the marriage, couples, and family counseling program at Texas A&M University-San Antonio.