“School Mediation” method as instrument for creating safe environment and its psychological mechanisms ²⁷⁰¹

Article gives a description of “School Mediation” method, its potential for creating safe and comfortable environment, and deals with psychological mechanisms which make the method effective. Connection between principles of mediation and satisfaction of individual’s basic psychological needs is explained, as well as such psychological mechanisms as acceptance and obtaining one’s “Own”; the meaning of term “presence” in the work of mediator is explained. The article shows that following principles of mediation provides fulfillment of basic psychological needs as one of the key mechanisms of human psychics, which in turn makes mediation and mediation approach successful and efficient. “School mediation” method is a unique social instrument, which makes it possible to prevent efficiently and resolve disputes and conflicts, creating safe environment for all participants of educational process from kindergarten to university level. The article argues for importance of mastering mediation skills for all participants of educational process at school.

Keywords: mediation, “School Mediation”, mediation approach, conflict, dispute, educational environment, crime prevention, rehabilitation, safe environment, psychological mechanisms, basic psychological needs

Column: Mediation