Addressing conflicts in later life through intergenerational mediation: A scoping review

Abstract

Intergenerational mediation has significant implications for the well-being and quality of life of older adults and their families. Literature has emerged relating to the complexities of mediation practices and their effectiveness in addressing diverse issues older adults face. This scoping review aims to synthesize existing research on intergenerational mediation and explore, assess, and map key concepts related to mediating conflicts within later-life families. Databases, including PsychINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CINAHL; Sociological Abstracts and International Bibliography of Social Sciences, were searched (as of Febraury 6th, 2024) and 930 titles and abstracts were identified. Of these, 44 met the inclusion criteria.

In this paper, the aim is to synthesize existing research on intergenerational mediation, mapping key concepts and identifying the gaps in literature across various articles and studies. Scoping review allows for a broader inclusion of different types of studies, without needing to assess methodological quality as a systemic review would, this makes systematic review less appropriate, especially if the studies are still emerging.

Seven themes emerged in the review of the literature: (a) mediation practice and guidelines; (b) sources of family conflict; (c) prevention of elder abuse and neglect; (d) family dynamics; (e) ethics; (f) mediation and law; and (g) implications for social work practice. The scoping review identified research gaps, including limited articles on intergenerational mediation across different cultures, religions, and geographic contexts. Due to the lack of consistent definitions of elder abuse in many countries, research is limited, highlighting the need for future research. The literature lacks sufficient exploration of the intersection of mediating conflicts and the older adults' aging process. Findings from this scoping review can inform best practices for intergenerational mediation and older adults’ aging.

Mediation provides a confidential space for collaborative discussions, aiding to prevent elder abuse and empower older adults. This review underscores the multifaceted role of mediation in social work, highlighting its potential to enhance care for older adults and their families.