The Ombuds Blog: Science Validates Calming Techniques

July 21, 2008

Science Validates Calming Techniques

Research published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience has shown support for calming techniques used by Ombuds and other ADR professionals. The technique, called cognitive reappraisal, calms the amygdala so the mind can switch from being reactive to reflective. Cognitive reappraisal is a coping strategy in which patients are taught to monitor and evaluate negative thoughts and replace them with more positive thoughts and images. In addition to reappraisal, Columbia professor Kevin Ochsner, Ph.D., offers other tips to calm fear: Step outside yourself; Control your cues; and Track your feelings. Blogger and mediator, Stephanie Allen West provides a lay person's summary and links to the research. (Brains on Purpose.)

1 comment:

Anonymous11/21/2008 5:24 PM
Thanks for mentioning Brains on Purpose.

A couple of related posts:

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2008/11/kevin-ochsner-podcast-staying-cool-under-pressure.html

http://westallen.typepad.com/idealawg/2008/11/some-studies-showing-the-benefits-of.html
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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Austria -- Ombudsstelle

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

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Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

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