NCJ Number
103387
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Issue: 14-15 Dated: (Winter 1986-Spring 1987) Pages: 137-162
Date Published
1986
Length
26 pages
Annotation
A group approach to mediation uses members of several divorcing families in efforts to resolve impasses related to planning for the children.
Abstract
During the first four sessions, each parent meets in separate and concurrent groups composed of four other parents. Children meet with their peers. The sessions use techniques based on group dynamics, including peer support, confrontation, group restraint, Greek chorus, group generation of options, norm formation, and reality testing. The parent groups then combine for three sessions. A comparison of 40 families assigned to individual family mediation and 40 families assigned to multifamily group mediation showed the group model to be equal to or more effective than a model in which the couples were seen individually. The success criteria were the parents' ability to develop and maintain agreements and to stay out of court and the parents' subsequent ability to negotiate on their own. The group model also used 40 percent fewer staff hours and took half as much time to produce change. It also reduced worker stress and burnout. Table and 34 references.