Communication becomes less effective as a means of extricating the parties from the conflict, as messages are assumed to be distorted or deceptive rather than honest and candid.

What does distrust do to a relationship?

These results suggest that upon experiencing distrust in one's partner, anxiously attached individuals are more likely to become jealous, snoop through a partner's belongings, and become psychologically abusive.

How does distrust lead to conflict?

Trust and Conflict

It severs an intimate bond which can make us feel especially aggrieved and questioning of our ability to trust our own judgment. The latter can be very difficult to resolve and the emotional fallout of it can sever ties and create a need for revenge.