Relational-gestalt theory: The psychology of interpersonal conflict resolution
Issued Date: 15 Dec 2017
Abstract
Current mediation practice lacks a coherent theory of the psychological factors that underlie interpersonal conflict and its resolution. Various models describe different ways to conduct mediation, yet there is insufficient explanation of the psychology of why and how these models often do, and sometimes do not work. In this article, a new explanation of interpersonal conflict resolution is presented. Termed relational-gestalt theory, this explanation looks at conflict as a failure of an interpersonal relationship, and is based around the principles of gestalt theory. Relational-gestalt theory is compared with a number of extant mediation models, and its applicability is considered for various types and levels of disputes. The intention is to provide additional theoretical insights into the models and processes that guide the practice of interpersonal mediators, consultants and trainers.
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DOI: 10.1558/mtp.32157
References
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Regina, W. (2000) Bowen systems theory and mediation. Mediation Quarterly 18(2): 111–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.3890180203
Regina, W. (2011) Applying Family Systems Theory to Mediation: A Practitioner’s Guide. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
Riskin, L. L. (1994) Mediator orientations, strategies and techniques. Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation 12(9): 111–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/alt.3810120904
Rogers, C. R. (1957) The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality
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Rosenberg, M. (2001) Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion. Encinitas, CA: Puddledancer Press.
Spillman, K. and Spillman, K. (1991) On enemy images and conflict escalation. International Social Science Journal 43(1): 57–76.
Stewart, I. and Joines, V. (1987) TA Today: A New Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Chapel Hill, NC: Lifespace Publishing.
Thomas, K. W. and Kilmann, R. H. (1978) Comparison of four instruments measuring conflict behaviour. Psychological Reports 42: 1139–45. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1978.42.3c.1139
Wheeler, G. (2013) Gestalt Reconsidered: A New Approach to Contact and Resistance. Cambridge, MA: GIC Press.
White, M. and Epston, D. (1990) Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. New York: W. W. Norton.
Wilmot, W. W. and Hocker, J. L. (1998) Interpersonal Conflict (5th edn). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Winslade, J. and Monk, G. D. (2000) Narrative Mediation: A New Approach to Conflict Resolution. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Yontef, G. (1993) Awareness, Dialogue and Process: Essays on Gestalt Therapy. New York: Gestalt Journal Press.
Yontef, G. (2002) The relational attitude in gestalt therapy theory and practice. International Gestalt Journal 25(1): 15–34.
Zinker, J. C. (1977) Creative Process in Gestalt Therapy. New York: Random House.
Bowen, M. (1971) Family therapy and family group therapy. In H. Kaplan and B. Sadock (eds) Comprehensive Group Psychotherapy 384–421. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.
Bowen, M. (2002) Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.
Buber, M. ([1923]2004) I and Thou (trans. W. Kaufman). London: Continuum
Bush, R. A. B. and Folger, J. P. (1996) Transformative mediation and third party intervention: ten hallmarks of a transformative approach to practice. Mediation Quarterly 13(4): 263–75. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.3900130403
Carter, B. and McGoldrick, M. (2005) The Expanded Family Life Cycle: Individual, Family and Social Perspectives, 3rd edn. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Clarkson, P. (1989) Gestalt Counselling in Action. London: Sage.
Dillow, R. (1996). The school as an emotional system. In P. A. Comella, J. Bader, J. S. Ball, K. Wiseman and R. R. Sagar (eds) The Emotional Side of Organizations: Applications of Bowen theory 130–37. Georgetown, MD: Georgetown Family Center.
Fisher, R. and Ury, W. (1986) Getting to Yes. London: Hutchinson Business Books.
Friedman, E. (2007) A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix. New York: Seabury Books.
Gaynier, L. P. (2005) In search of a theory of practice: what gestalt has to offer the field of mediation. Gestalt Review 7(3): 180–97.
Husserl, E. (1968) The Idea of Phenomenology. The Hague: Nijhoft
Lewin, K. (1952) Field Theory in Social Science: Selected Theoretical Papers. London: Tavistock Publications.
Maslow, A. H. ([1954]1970) Motivation and Personality. New York: Harper & Row.
Mediation UK. (1995) Community Mediation Training Manual. Bristol. Mediation UK.
Moore, C. W. (2003) The Mediation Process: Practical Strategies for Resolving Conflict. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Nickerson, R. S. (1998) Confirmation bias: a ubiquitous phenomenon in many
guises. Review of General Psychology 2(2): 175–220. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.2.2.175
Noll, D. E. (2001) A theory of mediation. Dispute Resolution Journal 56(2): 78–84.
Parlett, M. (1997) The unified field in practice. Gestalt Review 1: 16–33.
Perls, F. (1959) Gestalt Therapy Verbatim. New York: Bantam.
Perls, F. S., Hefferline, R. and Goodman, P. ([1951]1994) Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality. Goulsborough, ME: Gestalt Journal Press.
Regina, W. (2000) Bowen systems theory and mediation. Mediation Quarterly 18(2): 111–28. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.3890180203
Regina, W. (2011) Applying Family Systems Theory to Mediation: A Practitioner’s Guide. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.
Riskin, L. L. (1994) Mediator orientations, strategies and techniques. Alternatives to the High Cost of Litigation 12(9): 111–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/alt.3810120904
Rogers, C. R. (1957) The necessary and sufficient conditions of therapeutic personality
change. Journal of Consulting Psychology 21(2): 95–103. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0045357
Rosenberg, M. (2001) Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion. Encinitas, CA: Puddledancer Press.
Spillman, K. and Spillman, K. (1991) On enemy images and conflict escalation. International Social Science Journal 43(1): 57–76.
Stewart, I. and Joines, V. (1987) TA Today: A New Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Chapel Hill, NC: Lifespace Publishing.
Thomas, K. W. and Kilmann, R. H. (1978) Comparison of four instruments measuring conflict behaviour. Psychological Reports 42: 1139–45. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1978.42.3c.1139
Wheeler, G. (2013) Gestalt Reconsidered: A New Approach to Contact and Resistance. Cambridge, MA: GIC Press.
White, M. and Epston, D. (1990) Narrative Means to Therapeutic Ends. New York: W. W. Norton.
Wilmot, W. W. and Hocker, J. L. (1998) Interpersonal Conflict (5th edn). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Winslade, J. and Monk, G. D. (2000) Narrative Mediation: A New Approach to Conflict Resolution. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.
Yontef, G. (1993) Awareness, Dialogue and Process: Essays on Gestalt Therapy. New York: Gestalt Journal Press.
Yontef, G. (2002) The relational attitude in gestalt therapy theory and practice. International Gestalt Journal 25(1): 15–34.
Zinker, J. C. (1977) Creative Process in Gestalt Therapy. New York: Random House.
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