Mediation as a Social Work Method in Family Conflict Resolution

Description

The objectives of the research is to study the understanding of mediation as a method of social work, its practical application in resolving family conflicts in social work with families and children. Summarizing the experience of other countries, the author has created a questionnaire. In order to find out the most frequently used skills and attitudes used by social work specialists in working with families and children to resolve conflict situations, 70 social workers working with families and children were interviewed. In order to explore deeper the understanding of mediation as a method of social work, the practical application and limitations of its principles and steps, using mediation as a method of social work or elements of mediation in work with families and children, six semi-structured interviews were conducted with social workers. The obtained results show that the application of mediation skills and attitudes is part of the daily work practice of social work in resolving conflict situations. Most often, social workers use general psychosocial counseling skills in solving conflict situations, which are aimed at building successful communication and relationships, as well as providing support. On the other hand, skills that are specifically used in the mediation process in recognizing and managing complex conflict situations are used less often.  However, it is difficult for social workers to find a way to help families in cases of heightened emotional tension and high levels of conflict.. The results shows that it is necessary to continue further research and professional discussions on the application and integration of mediation as a social work method in social work and the development of education and training to increase the competence of social workers to support and promote more effective practice and provide preventive and timely assistance to conflicting families.

Period	29 Mar 2023
Event title	RSU Research week 2023: Society. Health. Welfare
Event type	Conference
Conference number	9
Organiser	Rīga Stradiņš University
Location	Riga, LatviaShow on map
Degree of Recognition	International