Mediators are often concerned with their own neutrality and with ensuring the processes that they facilitate are 'neutral' or favour no particular side. But environmental psychologists understand that no environment can be totally neutral. People are affected by their environments.

Once one delves into the literature, there is lots of fascinating evidence of the way that human thoughts, feelings and behaviour are affected by the places and spaces that we inhabit. There is some interesting new research taking place at Columbia University on risk taking and sunlight. Many people report feeling happier on sunny days, but this research suggests that we are also more likely to take risks when we are exposed to natural (or even artificial) sunlight. Studies there revealed, for instance, that people are more likely to risk getting a parking ticket on a sunny day. And you are more likely to see major league baseball players stealing bases on a sunny day.

From another recent study, it seems that expansive environments tend to cause people to feel more powerful and they are correspondingly more likely to be dishonest. Thus, the next time that you are sitting across from someone in a big chair behind a big desk, be forewarned. Of course, as the authors suggest, if we focus on "the ways that offices and furniture are designed...we may capitalize on even the simplest features of our physical environments toward the goal of promoting ethical, prosocial and healthy workplace behaviours."

If no environment is neutral, then it consequently important for mediators to understand that the decisions about the environments in which they mediate really are important. Environmental psychology is a very useful discipline for mediators who wish to become acquainted with how humans are affected by their environments. It is surprising that there isn't more serious discussion and collaboration between environmental scientists and those who work with people in conflict resolution.

The models of human functioning that these scientists build can bring some order to what might otherwise appear rather chaotic and by using these models, we are able to predict the ways in which humans will interact with the environment. Their models - such as the Reasonable Person Model (RPM, see previous posts) - can help us make sense of what is going on and better situate the parties to help themselves. The RPM is one model which is focused on the ways the environment can foster positive behaviours - i.e. "bringing out the best in people."

http://therpmproject.blogspot.ca