Mediation is increasingly used in various areas of society. Yet few studies have shed light on the unique work of mediators and their perception of the “mediator effect” on the process. The purpose of this qualitative study is to gather and compare mediators’ views about their work through feedback on their practices and to understand what they perceive as the bases for reaching a favorable outcome. This article presents the results of a content analysis of interviews with 13 mediators from different countries and cultures. The analysis grouped professional discourses into four areas: the process of the mediation meeting, mediation models and styles, mediator training, and family mediation. Each of these classes is broken down into sub-classes that describe the more salient elements of their perceived practice of mediation and self-efficacy. These results are then discussed regarding their application for the process and success of mediation.
Keywords
Mediation Practice, Work Experience, Semi-Structured Interviews, Lexical Analysis, Textual Data Analysis Software
Author Bio(s)
Anne Pignault, PhD, is an assistant professor of Work Psychology at the University of Paris Ouest Nanterre, senior researcher at the Institute of Lifelong Learning and Guidance (University of Luxembourg) and member of the Center for Research on Work and Development (CNAM, CRTD, Paris). Her main research interests include work contexts, work analysis and narrative analysis of work experience. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: anne.pignault@uni.lu.
Raymond Meyers, PhD, is a senior lecturer of sociology and deputy head of the Institute for Lifelong Learning and Guidance (University of Luxembourg). His main research interests include lifelong learning, education and especially mediation. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: raymond.meyers@uni.lu.
Claude Houssemand, PhD, is a professor of Differential and Cognitive Psychology and head of the Institute for Lifelong Learning and Guidance (University of Luxembourg). He is course director of the Master in Mediation and of the Master in Psychology: Evaluation and Assessment at the same university. His main research interests include adaptability and flexibility at work, statistics and cognitive mechanisms especially during mediation processes. Correspondence regarding this article can also be addressed directly to: claude.houssemand@uni.lu.
Acknowledgements
MEDIAT Research Project- Evaluation of the long term effects of mediation, funded by University of Luxembourg.
Pignault, A.,
Meyers, R.,
&
Houssemand, C.
(2017).
Mediators’ Self-Perception of their Work and Practice: Content and Lexical Analysis.
The Qualitative Report,
22(6), 1589-1606.
https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2017.2676
