Mediators and the trait of sensory processing sensitivity : study reveals a significant correlation

Irvine, Charlie and Wilson, Barbara and Saunders, Jo (2023) Mediators and the trait of sensory processing sensitivity : study reveals a significant correlation. Mediation Theory and Practice, 7 (1). pp. 57-80. ISSN 2055-351X

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Abstract

Are mediators born or made? Is there such a thing as a 'natural mediator?' Bowling and Hoffman's influential (2003) collection, 'Bringing Peace into the Room,' considers: 'How the personal qualities of the mediator impact the process of conflict resolution.' These questions are troubling for practitioners and educators. Does training matter, or are such qualities, or traits, innate? 'Trait' can be defined as 'A distinguishing quality or characteristic, typically belonging to a person' (Lexico 2020). Are some individuals drawn to conflict resolution work because they already possess these qualities? Or because they seek them? This article contributes to the debate by reporting on a study into the prevalence of a particular trait, sensory processing sensitivity, in a sample of 181 English-speaking mediators. The study found that these mediators were significantly more likely to possess the trait than the average population. The implications for practice and training are discussed.

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