The Value of Peer Mediation in Reducing Conflict Behaviors

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine if a particular peer mediation program reduced incidence of conflict on playgrounds. The differena in observed conflict behaviors at Clancy Elementary School before and after the implementation of the Conflict Management program was examined. The student population (n = 372) of Clancy Elementary consisting of grades K-8 participated in the study. The subjects were observed during recesses before and after the implementation of the Conflict Management program. The data was compared between the two observation periods. Results indicate that the Conflict Management program was effective in redudng conflict behaviors on the playground (p < 0.05). Both the numbers and types of conflict behavior were less (p < 0.05) after implementation of the Conflict Management program.