Hidden in Plain View: The Impact of Mediation on the Mediator and Implications for Conflict Resolution Education

Abstract

Empirical evidence shows that middle and high school students trained to be peer mediators experience improved communication skills, increased empathy, enhanced self-esteem, and improved academic performance. Yet scholars have not examined whether these benefits extend to mediators in other contexts. This article presents empirical evidence and theoretical support for the inference that mediation training and practice have a positive impact on the emotional well-being of the mediator. Given the documented increase of mental health challenges in today's society, this largely untapped potential of mediation to improve the well-being of the mediator has significant implications for conflict resolution education.

Keywords: peer mediators, communication, mediation, conflict resolution education