Interaction Dynamics Predict Successful Negotiation in Divorce Mediation. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donohue, William A.; Sherry, John L.; Idzik, Patrick
• Is Part Of: Journal of language and social psychology. Volume 35:Number 4(2016)
• Page Start: 374
• Page End: 393
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: communication dynamics -- conversation -- coordination -- negotiation -- frames; Sociolinguistics -- Periodicals; Psycholinguistics -- Periodicals; 401.905
• DOI: 10.1177/0261927X15603090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-927X

Abstract

Though communication is a process that unfolds over time, it has been difficult to study it as a dynamic process. This article examines the process of real-life divorce mediations as a dynamic system. First, the article sets out a paradigm of an interaction dynamic, revealing underlying dynamic patterns of frame coordination and how those patterns predict successful negotiation. Second, the article details a methodology for studying communication features dynamically. Finally, an analysis of 15 anonymous divorce mediations is conducted. Results largely support the predictions of relational order theory.