ABSTRACTS OF LITERATURE

This is a clinical essay describing a theory of marital conflict. The data were obtained by sending an unstructured questionnaire to four hundred caseworkers in 104 member agencies throughout the United States and by stimulating local study groups to prepare reports in depth on such topics. There is a "marital balance," which helps keep the family in equilibrium and is derived from courtship and in the early years of marriage. The breakdown of the "marital balance," and the conflicts resulting, are described, including the point at which couples apply for help. Good and bad prognostic factors in terms of case-work intervention and treatment of marital conflict are described. Although outcome is described as "optimistic," there are no data describing outcome results. Research implications are made.