Understanding systemic factors that Lead to high conflict domestic disputes

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the systemic factors that contribute to custody disputes becoming high conflict domestic disputes (HCDs). In contrast to the large number of studies identifying interpersonal and intrapersonal factors related to the couple, few studies have identified how systemic factors could specifically contribute to HCDs. Systemic factors are those that are not caused by either party but exist due to the circumstances of the situation in which the couple finds themselves. These systemic factors can cause the relationship to fragment and can escalate any existing conflict that may exist. The purposes of this study were, therefore, to (1) explore perceptions about systemic factors and interventions that can cause conflicts to progress to HCDs in couples with children and (2) develop a conceptual framework and theory to explain how systemic factors can create barriers to conflict resolution and describe a process for how decreasing the impact of these systemic factor can decrease the potential for the development or continuation of HCDs in couples with children. Based on the responses of the participants, three concepts were specified: the adversarial nature of the court system, economic considerations, and socio-cultural influences.