Power is what makes the relationship tick for high conflict couples—it can also be what ultimately dissolves the union. Strong negative emotions, like blame, guilt and resentment, prevent high conflict couples from reaching amiable resolutions in child custody disputes.
Given their extreme feelings of distrust, high conflict couples view even minor slights from one partner as monstrous attempts at injury toward the other. Destructive tendencies in high conflict couples promote a cycle of negativity, one that prevents peaceful negotiations in child custody disputes.
The fiercely antagonistic feelings between high conflict couples severely undermines their ability to provide an environment that is conducive to the well-being of their child. In such cases, joint custody between high conflict couples promises to have a detrimental effect on the child.