**7. Discussion**

These results indicate that educational approach proposed in this project can represent a new cultural paradigm in the educational approach to conflicts because the attention is not on the balance that to be re-established after the dispute (resolution of conflict), but the central focus becomes the conflict itself and the goal is not to find a solution but possible solutions about it, to rediscover the relationship that has deteriorated and then to reach a shared (nonimposed) agreement. In particular, for what concern prosocial behavior and empathy, our results are in line with the literature that show how elevated levels of empathy are associated with high scores of prosocial behavior [53]. Several studies confirm these evidences, for example it is demonstrated that children with higher levels of empathy show less aggressive and more prosocial behaviors and they are more able to regulate their emotion [57, 58]. According to this concept, several studies found that empathic response is negatively related to bullying. This importance is supported also by a recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research. In fact, neuroscientists [70] discovered the role of empathy in social exclusion; social exclusion activates similar brain areas of physical pain when this is experienced personally or if it is the empathic response to another person's social exclusion. In line with these scientific evidences, empathy is a very important component, important aspect to consider for preventing bullying. In conclusion, our results confirm that empathy can represent an important role in prevention of bullying, increasing the prosocial behavior.

two tools for preventing bullying. The first tool is represented by the empathy, ability to share and understand emotional states of others. This construct helps to better understand the expe-

I Teach You to Quarrel - Empathy and Mediation: Tools for Preventing Bullying

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.76882

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Subsequently, we explain the importance of the mediation, useful to cope interpersonal conflicts. Using the mediation tool, students can learn that many forms of conflicts, including violence, can be solved by identifying the causes, discussing them and practicing nonviolent methods and behaviors. This process helps students to become more aware of positive aspects present during the conflict and the power that they have in making important, positive and new choices. Through the description of an Italian project "Mediamente Bullo," we examine an example of integrated application of this two tools, empathy and mediation. Results demonstrated that both of them can decrease level of bullying and thus improve the level of cooperation among students The goal of this chapter is to provide a contribution about preventing and intervention to bully-

*"I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen." -* Ernest

The project "Mediamente Bullo" was made possible thanks to collaboration with the Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) - Ufficio Scolastico Regionale (USR) Piemonte

and Juri Nervo1

[1] Olweus D. Bullying at School: What we Know and What we can Do. Oxford: Blackwell;

[2] Olweus D. Bully/victim problems in school: Knowledge base and an effective interven-

[3] Shelley H, Swearer SM. Four Decades of Research on School Bullying: An Introduction

tion programme. Irish Journal of Psychology. 1997;**18**:170-190

Educational Psychology Papers and Publications. 2015; 174

\*Address all correspondence to: rosalba.morese@usi.ch; rosalba.morese@gmail.com 1 Faculty of Communication Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano,

rience of social exclusion because it allows to change point of view.

ing among school-aged youth for future directions and intervention efforts.

and the financial support of Rotary Club - District 2031.

\*, Matteo Defedele<sup>2</sup>

2 Essere Umani onlus, SoStare Center, Turin, Italy

Hemingway.

**Author details**

Rosalba Morese<sup>1</sup>

Switzerland

**References**

1993

**Acknowledgements**

For what concern the mediation aspect, our results are in line with the literature. In fact, different studies describe how the mediation skills improve the conflict resolution, communication abilities, management techniques [71], coping strategies and resiliency [72]. Mediation is important for acquiring the ability to use effective coping strategies to solve problems and conflict.

Finally, the most innovative aspect of the present project "Mediamente Bullo" is undoubtedly the opening to the theme of mediation in bullying, which can become a step in the future for peer mediation, after the formation of junior mediators. The students themselves can start an experimental form of mediation, which may be repeated during the following school year. This is, more specifically, a form of conflict resolution involving the participation of impartial and non-involved students in the dispute as mediators in order to help students who are involved in finding peaceful, fair and collaborative solutions.

The purpose of peer mediation is therefore to foster the empowerment of students by helping them to strengthen their skills in successfully managing interpersonal conflicts. Another interesting aspect is the feedback received at the end of the project by the students: the greatest awareness emerged thanks to this path. We think that it is important also to underline the positiveness expressed by students during this experience, they reported that most acknowledged and methods used were useful in promoting prosocial relationships not only with their peers but also with people outside the school context. Some of them have expressed profound reflections about the value of mediation in social interpersonal interactions; others have expressed interesting links between difficult social situations and the possibility of violent behaviors.

In summary, we think that this example project, even with its limitations, can be a methodological model for verifying the effectiveness of prevention interventions for the promotion of prosocial relationships and the reduction of aggressive behavior among peers.
