Review Section : Mediation

Abstract

Mediation is a complex social process which facilitates interpersonal, intergroup, and international negotiations. However, at present, neither the nature nor the potential of mediation is adequately understood because insufficient effort has been devoted to the analysis and study of the process. In order to enhance our understanding and the potential utility of the procedure, this article presents a mediation paradigm which serves as the basis for an analysis of the process and a review of the various techniques. Subsequently, the paradigm and review underpin suggested procedures for future mediation research.