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Article
The Promise of Spirituality in Mediation: The Significance of Spiritual-Based and Faith-Based Approaches in Mediation
Peace and Conflict Studies
  • Debra Jones, Utah State University
  • Alexia Georgakopoulos, Nova Southeastern University
Abstract

This article advocates greater exploration and incorporation of spirituality or religion in the mediation process. As religious or spiritual values constitute an element of one’s culture, which inevitably forms a lens through which one interprets the world, the authors suggest a greater acceptance of exploring and acknowledging the power of addressing one’s own religious or spiritual makeup. The authors present an agenda for mediation research and practice for the twenty-first century and consider several examples to encourage model development. In particular, the following discussion presents potentially valuable elements for an alternative approach to mediation which incorporates either religion or spirituality.

Author Bio(s)

Debra Jones is an Associate Professor and Youth Development Specialist at Utah State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University and is currently studying the role of spirituality in youth development. Email: debjones@comcast.net

Alexia Georgakopoulos is an Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution and Communication at Nova Southeastern University’s Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS). She earned a Ph.D. from the Arizona State University. She is a co-facilitator for the Quality Enhancement Plan for institutional effectiveness and program accreditation at SHSS. Email: georgako@nova.edu

Keywords
  • conflict resolution,
  • mediation process,
  • religion,
  • spirituality
Publication Date
8-1-2009
DOI
10.46743/1082-7307/2009.1100
Citation Information
Debra Jones and Alexia Georgakopoulos. "The Promise of Spirituality in Mediation: The Significance of Spiritual-Based and Faith-Based Approaches in Mediation" (2009) p. 9 - 25
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/alexia-georgakopoulos/38/