Mediaton at the Millennium

Source: (2006) In, Harrman, Margaret S., editor, Handbook of Mediation: Bridging Theory, Research, and Practice. Blackwell Publishing pp.395-409

My first task in this overview chapter will be to summarize the problem-solving-to-settlement tradition, or model, of mediation to which a number of authors including myself have contributed over the years. Then I will summarize what I see as the key amendments and challenges to this tradition, drawing on the chapters of this book and other sources. Part of the latter section will compare and contrast the traditional approach with these new developments and speculate about the links among the latter. These first two sections will be mainly concerned with the process used, which occurs at point Tm in the Herrman et al. four-phase model, and its impact on short-term and long-term outcomes. Finally I will present a critique of the new developments, focusing primarily on those designed to rebuild troubled relationships. That section will mention some of the theoretical and research frontiers. (excerpt).