Use of self-advocacy in peer mediation for conflict resolution by young adults with learning disabilities: A participatory action research / Pang Jee Ching

Pang, Jee Ching (2018) Use of self-advocacy in peer mediation for conflict resolution by young adults with learning disabilities: A participatory action research / Pang Jee Ching. PhD thesis, University of Malaya.

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Abstract

The self-advocacy movement has provided avenues for young adults with learning disabilities to speak up their needs, but not to manage conflicts among themselves. This study seeks to understand the practicality of peer mediation for conflict resolution using self-advocacy skills by young adults with learning disabilities in Malaysia. Training manuals were designed and adapted to develop and train peer mediators to manage conflicts based on the model of self-advocacy, peer mediation and conflict resolution. The experiences of peer mediators were explored throughout the learning process highlighting the connection between self-advocacy and conflict resolution by young adults with learning disabilities. Participatory action research was adopted as a natural methodological choice consisted of three cycles of action and learning based on the research questions to achieve the objectives of the study. Voices of young adults with learning disabilities were upheld within the support system to realise their potential through the emancipation of self to social empowerment through peer mediation. The peer mediation development cycle began with envisioning the need for change, designing the services, and initiating a process to bring that change about in the first cycle. The second cycle marked the practical usage of peer mediation to enable the design of services into a continuous improvement of services provided to, and by young adults with learning disabilities in its practical context. The third cycle dealt with sharing of knowledge and experience whilst making a case for the use of self-advocacy in peer mediation services, and planning to ensure the service continues to engage with the community and to renew itself. Three common themes emerged from the thematic analysis from the experiences of peer mediation, namely the understanding on the role of peer mediators, the ability of peer mediators to resolve conflicts and the roles of self-advocacy in peer mediation. The process of self-emancipation became proactive in the third cycle where the peer mediators were involved in the process of participatory action research as research partners. This has unearthed the fourth research question and added value to the role of self-advocacy underpinning the value of collaboration as a paradigm shift in the learning disability research and study in Malaysia. Specifically, this study hopes to provide insight into the complexity in representing young adults with learning disabilities besides giving them a space for self-advocacy and collective advocacy with quality of support from the support system. From the unknown to the confidence of knowing and doing, this study hopes to make connections between practice and theory where people can enjoy peace, justice, equality in the midst to understand complexities of life in learning and supporting each other. It is hoped that a wider audience will come to understand the empowering discourses and simplistic representation of young adults with learning disabilities which will truly make an impact towards peacemaking and the meaning of life.

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