Chronic musculoskeletal pain can fundamentally alter a marital relationship and have significant effects on marital satisfaction for both the chronic pain patient and spouse. This paper is a critical review of literature on chronic musculoskeletal pain and marital adjustment. Nineteen empirical studies are evaluated and serve as the data base for conclusions and recommendations. Variables which may effect marital satisfaction such as sexual function, spouse solicitousness, effects on the

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... ogical and physical health of the spouse and gender differences are identified. The impact of these variables on marriage and the spouse in particular, is discussed. Implications for further research in this area are considered.