High‐conflict parents in mediation: An analysis of dialogues and sources to conflict

In: Conflict resolution quarterly, Band 35, Heft 4, S. 335-349

Abstract

A significant proportion of parents in mediation present destructive and escalating conflicts. In a naturalistic study of sessions with high‐conflict couples, we observed dialogues with frequent interruptions, rapidly shifting subjects, and emotional attacks. A systematic search revealed eight distinct sources of conflict that interfered with the mediation process: Two related to the breakup, four regarding differing concerns of care for the child, and two mainly about the contextual conditions for childcare arrangements. The article describes these sources of conflicts in a format that could increase the capacity of mediators to recognize and address them during the process of mediation.