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Definition & Benefits of Peer Mediation

What is Peer Mediation?

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Peer mediation programs train students to serve as neutral, third-party facilitators who assist other students with resolving conflicts.  Mediators guide their peers through a series of steps that allows the peers to discuss the conflict calmly, generate solutions, and resolve the problem in a manner that feels fair and acceptable to all of the disputants.  The mediators do not decide how to solve the problem for the peers in conflict, but rather, they help the peers have a productive conversation so they can create their own, mutually-agreeable solution.  Peer mediation is often used for conflicts such as playground disputes, difficulty taking turns, and differences of opinion (Burrell, Zirbel, & Allen, 2003; Peer Mediators, 2012; Sellman, 2011).

Benefits of Peer Mediation

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When comparing schools with peer mediation programs to schools without any conflict resolution protocols, mediation programs appear to significantly improve social conflicts.  Research shows that peer mediation is associated with:

Decreases in:

  • Disruptive behaviors

  • Physical aggression

  • Discipline referrals

Increases in:

  • Self-esteem

  • Independence

  • Managing conflict without violence

  • Attachment to school

Peer mediation also allows minor conflicts to be resolved before they escalate into more complicated situations.  In turn, this reduces tensions among students overall.  Research indicates that the majority of conflicts managed through peer mediation are resolved and that nearly all agreements made through the process are maintained (Bickmore, 2002, Burrell, Zirbel, & Allen, 2003; Daunic, Smith, Robinson, Miller, & Landry, 2000; Hart & Gunty, 1997). 

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Peer mediation provides a constructive problem-solving framework that supports effective communication, provides an opportunity for students to assume responsibility for behavior, and teaches that conflict can be constructive.  Without peer mediation, students have two options for resolving conflicts: they can either resolve the conflict themselves (through avoidance, overpowering their peer, or negotiating) or report it to an adult.  While it’s necessary for adults to intervene regarding major conflicts, relying on adults to resolve minor conflicts can be counterproductive because it reinforces the notion that conflict is something over which students have little to no influence.  However, peer mediation transfers ownership of the conflict back to the students and increases the students’ investment in a collaborative, mutually-beneficial resolution.  This enhances healthy development in social, cognitive, and moral domains (Bickmore, 2002; Cohen, 1995 & Cremin, 2007, as cited in Sellman, 2011; Daunic, Smith, Robinson, Miller, & Landry, 2000; Peer Mediators, 2012; Sellman, 2011).

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References

  • Bickmore, K. (2002).  Peer mediation training and program implementation in elementary schools: Research results.  Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 20(2), 137-160.

  • Burrell, N.A., Zirbel, C.S., & Allen, M. (2003).  Evaluating peer mediation outcomes in educational settings: A meta-analytic review.  Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 21(1), 7-26.

  • Daunic, A.P., Smith, S.W., Robinson, T.R., Miller, M.D., & Landry, K.L. (2000).  School-wide conflict resolution and peer mediation programs:  Experiences in three middle schools.  Intervention in School & Clinic, 36(2), 94-100.

  • Hart, J. & Gunty, M. (1997).  The impact of a peer mediation program on an elementary school environment.  Peace & Change, 22(1), 76-92.

  • Peer Mediators (2012).  A complete school curriculum (grades 6-8): Implementation guide.  Retrieved from www.peermediators.org.

  • Sellman, E. (2011).  Peer mediation services for conflict resolution in schools:  What transformations in activity characterize successful implementation?  British Educational Research Journal, 37(1), 45-60.

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