Perspective-Taking Techniques in the Mediation of Intergroup Conflict

Although conflict mediation is implemented in many societal fields by now, it is still uncertain as to which mediation techniques are effective and which are not. Although there is some research concerned with interpersonal conflicts, hardly anything is known about mediation in intergroup conflicts. This study addresses this lack of knowledge. We conducted an experiment on the mediation of an intergroup conflict (N = 103 mediations) in which we evaluated the effectiveness of the combined perspective-taking techniques Controlled Dialogue and Role Reversal. The results confirmed the hypothesis that perspective-taking techniques increase interpersonal liking between group representatives. In accordance with the theory, the effect was statistically mediated by interpersonal empathy and the feeling to be heard. However, there was no effect on intergroup empathy and attitudes. Possible explanations for the missing effects on intergroup relations, as well as the theoretical and practical implications of the study, are discussed.