marital adjustment
the process by which married couples attain mutual gratification and achieve common goals while maintaining an appropriate degree of individuality. Especially important to marital adjustment are (a) the sharing of experiences, interests, and values; (b) respect for the partner’s individual needs, aims, and temperament; (c) maintenance of open lines of communication and expression of feeling; (d) clarification of roles and responsibilities; (e) cooperation in decision making, problem solving, and rearing of children; and (f) attainment of mutual sexual gratification.