Presenting a psychodynamic view of marital therapy, this book covers the dynamics of marital conflict, the therapeutic principles applied in treating that conflict and the various kinds of neurotic adjustments seen in marital relationships, as well as a brief survey of the history of marriage. Based on the premise that marriage does not cause conflicts but only reflects the conflicts characteristic of the individual regardless of marital status, it clarifies the neurotic choices made by a partner exposing more basic psychological problems. The book also portrays the process of mate selection as a highly subjective, often irrational process that reflects childhood needs and conflicts and concludes with a chapter describing the mature spouse.