Reframing and Its Uses - Chapter 35 - AAA Handbook on Mediation - 2nd Edition

I. Introduction

In its broadest sense, “reframing”--a term of art in dispute resolution circles--is a realignment of “a frame of reference.” In negotiations and conflict resolution, it is a powerful tool that has many uses. In this chapter, the discussion of reframing is limited to the technique of restating or rephrasing statements and concepts in order to advance the goal of reaching an agreement and resolving conflicts and disputes. (This is not meant to discount the value of other forms of reframing, including

the reframing of actions or behaviors.) Reframing can be used negatively to frustrate and impede settlements and the resolution of conflicts, but that will not be considered here. 

 

All the participants in a mediation may engage in reframing. An advocate may reframe statements to further negotiations or channel them in a particular direction for the purpose of achieving the client’s goals. A conflict resolution practitioner may, for example, reframe a statement by a party to the mediation in order to elicit agreement on some issues, or to bring out the underlying interests of the parties. The practitioner also may encourage the parties to reframe their own statements.