Divorce mediation : factors influencing the choice of mediation and their respective objective and subjective outcomes

Using a decisioning paradigm based on exchange and conflict theories, this. study analyzed the data from 200 couples involved in the Denver custody Mediation Project. Analyses were performed in order to investigate the factors associated with (1) the choice of mediation or litigation, (2) the objective outcomes of mediation, and (3) the subjective outcomes. In the analysis of choice of mediation, six variables were used to predict the choice of mediation or litigation. Couples who chose mediation appeared to have high tangible resources, high acceptance of the divorce, and low interest in getting back together; yet somewhat contradictorily, appeared to still be emotionally attached to their spouses and former marriage. The analysis was very successful in discriminating between couples who chose mediation and litigation with over 96 percent of couples being correctly classified into their groups