Description of Study: Examined the long-term satisfaction of mediating couples in York County, PA.
Method: A mediation profile was completed by mediators at the end of the mediation process. At the end of each mediation session, parties and mediators filled out a feedback form. A mediation follow-up form was sent out to parties 6-9 months after mediation.
Comparative: Yes
Sample Size: 301 litigants from 169 cases
Variables Examined: Short-term and long-term satisfaction with the mediation process, outcome
Program Variables: Mandatory program with mediations off-site. Mediators had at least 40 hours of training and were attorneys and family therapists.
Case types: Divorce-Custody, Domestic Relations, Family
Findings: Parties were satisfied over all. Short-term and long-term satisfaction were related. Satisfaction with mediation was significantly affected by whether an agreement was reached.