Mediation training has long viewed venting anger as a useful tool for restoring a positive psychological state. This practice has been handed down as received wisdom through several generations of mediation trainers, practitioners, and theorists. Beware, this venting myth can be dangerous Venting negative emotions triggers the physiologic stress response by increasing the level of the [Read more..]
Category: Venting
Ten Best Practices for Mediators Derived from Neuroscience: Sex and Culture Differences (#9-10)
Biologic differences between men and women result in different reactions to conflict. Normally, men outperform women in seeing a situation from another perspective, but under stress, women outperform men. Culture also influences behavior during conflict. 9. Consider the effects of testosterone levels. Men are subject to daily cycles of testosterone, highest in [Read more..]
Ten Best Practices for Mediators Derived from Neuroscience: Managing Emotions (#6-8)
Strong emotions are common in mediation. Parties often arrive at the session full of resentment and joint sessions can provoke anger, disappointment, or embarrassment. Ignoring strong emotions is risky as it is trigger for the physiologic stress response. 6.Encourage parties to name their emotions rather than labeling them. Mediation training often suggests ways [Read more..]