Conflict resolution provides training to an entire class, grade, or school. In general, these programs teach students to manage anger, control aggressive responses, understand conflict, and avoid and diffuse potentially violent confrontations. Peer mediation training is provided to a few selected students. They are taught to mediate disputes between other students. Both conflict resolution and peer mediation allow students to settle disagreements peacefully among themselves. Research has found that some programs have had a positive impact on students' attitudes about interpersonal violence, improve school discipline, and positively impact absenteeism.

Supporting Citations:

DuRant, R.J. et al. (1996). Comparison of two violence prevention curricula for middle school adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health, 19, 111-117.

Johnson,D.W. (1996). Conflict resolution and peer mediation programs in elementary and secondary schools: a review of the research. Review of Educational Research, 66(4), p.459-506.

Lindsay, Paul (1998). Conflict resolution and peer mediation in public schools: what works?. Mediation Quarterly, v.16,no.1, 85-99.

Powell, K.E., Muir-McClain, L. and Halasyamani, L. (1995) A review of selected school-based conflict resolution and peer mediation projects. Journal of School Health 65(10), 426-431.