High‐Conflict Parents in Mediation: An Analysis of Dialogues and Sources to Conflict

Conflict Resolution Quarterly, Volume 35, Issue 4, Summer 2018, Pages 335-349

Posted: 27 Sep 2018

See all articles by Wenke Gulbrandsen

Wenke Gulbrandsen

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology

Hanne Haavind

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology

Odd Tjersland

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology

Date Written: February 05, 2018

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.

Suggested Citation

Gulbrandsen, Wenke and Haavind, Hanne and Tjersland, Odd, High‐Conflict Parents in Mediation: An Analysis of Dialogues and Sources to Conflict (February 05, 2018). Conflict Resolution Quarterly, Volume 35, Issue 4, Summer 2018, Pages 335-349 , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3245509

Wenke Gulbrandsen (Contact Author)

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology ( email )

N-0317 Oslo
Norway

Hanne Haavind

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology ( email )

N-0317 Oslo
Norway

Odd Tjersland

University of Oslo - Department of Psychology ( email )

N-0317 Oslo
Norway

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