Stage Development Theory: A Natural Framework for Understanding the Mediation Process

Abstract

Scholars and practitioners of mediation have generally paid little attention to the development of theoretical frameworks for understanding what is taking place in the mediation process. By “borrowing” from stages of adult psychological development theory (in this scheme, physical; bedonistic/impulsive; conformist/authority‐seeking; rational/individualistic; and integrative), we can better understand some of the behaviours that people exhibit in mediation and perhaps find ways to help parties expand their bhavioural repertoires so that new avenues for resolution appear to them. Using frequent examples from mediation practice, the author desribes each stage, then assesses the limits and possibilities of relating this theoretical frame work to mediation. She sees this juxtaposition of theory to practice not so much as a “how to” for mediation practice, but rather as a new window through which mediators can view mediation clients, the mediation process, and their own behavior in the mediation room.