A Conceptual Framework for Mediation Studies (Remarks on the Notion of Mediation Readiness)

The current state of mediation research is the result of research activity of many scholars representing various scientific disciplines. It is highly diverse in both the adopted assumptions and methodologies, as well as the specific research issues and notions used to describe and explain mediation-related phenomena. This raises questions concerning the need for effective communication among scholars representing various disciplines interested in mediation research. A minimal prerequisite for the effectiveness of communication in this field is a commonly accepted conceptual framework which could be adopted by a majority of scholars interested in mediation research. Effective communication in mediation also requires a conceptual analysis of specific notions and ideas linked to mediation and introduced by representatives of particular scientific disciplines, such as psychology or law. This is the research task undertaken in this paper through a discussion of the notion of mediation readiness. The conceptual analysis of mediation readiness serves as a starting point for several theses focused on shaping a conceptual framework that enables interdisciplinary mediation research and effective communication within the community of scholars interested in this research area.