Mediators in Portugal: training, status and professional recognition

Abstract

Mediation is an area of activity that has been increasingly (re)known for its potential for the prevention and positive management of conflicts, for the promotion of social ties and social cohesion, as well as for the development and empowerment of interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it seems relevant to call into discussion the quality of mediators' practices by analysing their training and professional recognition. The objectives of the present study have focused on identifying the main contexts associated with the development of the profile of mediators and analyzing the actions implemented for the consolidation and recognition of this professional group. Based on literature review, the analysis of normative production on the topic, and the results of a questionnaire applied to Portuguese mediators, the following conditions and challenges for the establishment and recognition of the mediator profession have been identified: quality training, collective feeling of professional identity, professional sregulation and formal recognition of the profession in institutional settings, both in public and private contexts.