Bias and Gender Sensitivity Training in Peer Mediation Kelly Dougherty Villanova University

Who Am I? Kelly Dougherty Graduate of West Chester University B.S. Communication Studies M.S. Higher Education Counseling and Student Affairs Villanova University Area Coordinator for Residence Management Coordinator for Housing Services Co-author Facilitators Guide to Gender Sensitive Mediation Training

Facilitator’s Guide Found a need for more comprehensive training in mediation for student leaders Shift the focus from a step by step process to meeting individual needs Goal is to create a more well-rounded mediator: Self-reflection Self-assessment Recognition of biases Format/Structure of the Manual

Peer Mediation Training Teaches our student leaders how to effectively manage conflict Aids in development of student leaders: Self-esteem Communication skills Problem solving skills More investment in institution and conduct processes Not just applicable to Residence Life

Conflict What is conflict? A fight or disagreement Holds a negative connotation Incompatibility between thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs of two or more individuals Allows for more open dialogue/conversation

Bias Training An opinion, belief, or tendency one may have that is pre-conceived or made without valid reason True for one must be true for all Hinders ability to remain impartial Assess level of comfort, address personal biases, recognize limitations Activity

Gender Sensitivity Training Leads to more productive conversations with disputants Helps mediators prepare better for mediation Also helps them prepare if it is needed to change course during a mediation Not related just to disputants but also has an effect on mediator as well Does not imply a “true for all” standard Instead gives more insight to the tendencies of those who identify as more masculine or feminine when approaching conflict

Gender in Conflict Masculine Tendencies Feminine Tendencies Adventurous Aggressive Dominant Competitive Independent Fact Driven Personal Success/Gains Feminine Tendencies Submissive Sensitive Cooperative Sentimental Dependent Relationship Driven Group Gains

Why Is This Important? Helps to create more well rounded mediators Mediator’s more aware of individual needs To be an effective mediator, training begins with “you” Recognize own challenges Better understanding of how gender can affect on the approach and resolution of conflict

The Mediation Process Steps adapted from The Mediator’s Handbook (Beer and Packard, 2012) Introduction Gaining Perspective Summary and Goal Setting Compromise and Discussion Resolution and Conclusion

The Case of Devin and Shay Devin and Shay grew up next to one another and their families were always very close. When coming to college, both students thought it would be a great idea to live with one another. The first month or two of their freshmen year was great, but now Devin is starting to get frustrated that the mess on Shay’s side of the room seems to be growing and spreading. As a result, a stench has also started to fill the room. Devin cannot understand why Shay does not see this as an issue. When Devin spoke to the RA about his concerns the RA asked if Devin had approached Shay about this issue and Devin stated that Shay “should just know. Shay has to see it/smell it too.” Devin ignored the RA’s advice to have a conversation with Shay. A few days later, Shay comes to the RA upset. Shay stated that Devin began yelling over the volume of the television and started kicking things on the floor over to the other side of the room. Shay stated that the roommates got into a really heated argument and that this was really out of character. TV volume has never been an issue before. The RA decides it is best to sit both roommates down for a mediation. If the case study consisted of 2 individuals identifying with female tendencies in regards to conflict, what may present some challenges? What if they were two individuals with masculine tendencies? What if it was both? Knowing all of this, how does this affect your plan of action moving forward in training?

Questions???