Friday 2 November 2018

A Brief Overview Of Peer Mediation

By Virginia Butler


At some point in life, an individual has a disagreement with others. While most reasonable people can often work out a compromise, others need assistance. For these individuals, whether children or adults, peer mediation can often be helpful when it comes to communication, compromise and understanding.

The process is loosely based on that of peer counseling which became popular in the 1990s. Although, while that type of process involved two individuals working together as communicator and listener, the process lacked the presence of a trained mediator. While this is the case, those willing to participate were often able to resolve issues and conflicts, many times saving a relationship or friendship in the process.

One provider of these services has now provided accreditation for mediators to implement the process into grade, junior and high schools. While somewhat new, the practice is akin to peer counseling which became popular in the 1990s. In fact, there are a number of individuals whom were originally involved with this type of counseling which are now mediators. While such experience is not required to become a mediator, having gone through a similar process can be helpful while working with and teaching others more non-violent forms of conflict resolution.

A number of these individuals are now helping children and adults overcome disagreements and unpleasant behaviors. In some cases, adults have been able to save a marriage, which if not having had such assistance could have ended in a nasty divorce and custody battle. Whereas, there are others whom help couples while going such an experience.

Benefits for adults going through this process is that it creates a peaceful environment which can often assist when it comes to rebuilding a sense of communication, compromise and understanding. Whether the disagreement involves adults at home, work or school, there are trained mediators which specialize in these and other environments.

The process can also eliminate damages to innocent bystanders and property by those whom are presenting violent and uncontrollable behavior. For, the process teaches individuals how to build better ongoing communication and cooperation. In doing so, all individuals learn how to better relate to others not only during a conflict but throughout life.

When an issue effects an entire community, there are going to be several people who agree and disagree with an issue. In most cases, these issues are related to city codes and infrastructure or rules and regulations related to curfews after an emergency. While often more difficult than working with two adults or children, mediators are available to teach groups how to agree to disagree and still remain peaceful throughout the process.

In all cases, whether working with adults or children, mediation can assist in educating individuals of all ages how to use more reasonable forms of communication in order to resolve current and future conflicts. Whether a minor or major dispute, a mediator can often be the difference between going to jail, being involved in a lawsuit or having to pay court costs. For, communication, compromise and understanding are often keys in preventing and overcoming disagreements which if not resolved can often lead to arrest, lawsuits or, in the case of gangs, death.




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