The Value of Peer Mediation in Reducing Conflict Behavior

Abstract

The purpose of this research project was to determine if a particular peer mediation program reduced the incidence of conflict on playgrounds. The difference between 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 reducing conflict behaviors on the playground (p < .05). Both the total number and each type of conflict behavior were less (p < .05) after implementation of Peer Mediation 2 the Conflict Management program.