EFFECTIVENESS OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE MEDIATION TECHNIQUES ON PEER RELATIONSHIP QUALITY AMONG IN- SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of alternative dispute mediation techniques on peer relationship quality among in-school adolescents in Rivers State. A quasi-treatment research design was adopted to examine two objectives, research questions, and hypotheses. The study population consisted of 4,215 students from 18 public schools in the study area. A sample of 220 SSS II students was selected through an intact class approach, comprising 85 students in the treatment group and 135 students in the comparison group. Peer Conflict-Mediation and Peer Relationship Quality Scale (PCPRQS) were developed and utilized for data collection. The instruments' reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method which yielded a reliability index of 0.841, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Baseline data were collected prior to intervention. Students in the treatment group participated in a structured peer mediation programme, which included training in active listening, non-violent communication, and collaborative problem-solving techniques over a six-week period. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was applied to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated, among other results, that students who underwent alternative dispute mediation training demonstrated a noteworthy enhancement in the quality of peer relationships compared to the comparison group. The study concluded that alternative dispute mediation techniques have a positive effect on promoting peaceful peer interactions and improving the overall relational climate among students. The study recommended that school administrators and teachers should adopt peer mediation frameworks within school conflict management policies.