A literature study was conducted to highlight the relationship between psychological dysfunction and sexuality within a marital context. The research reviewed suggests that women report more psychological symptoms, in particular depression, than do men. The husband's personality and functioning appeared to determine the level of marital satisfaction. Although clear evidence was found of a link between relationship factors and development of sexual dysfunction, a gap exists in knowledge concerning cause and effect. A relationship between psychological dysfunction and sexuality appeared likely although again no cause and effect inferences could be made. A relationship between marital discord and children's problems was also indicated by the research review. The studies reviewed had several significant flaws which warrant caution in interpretation of results. Future research should attend to various dimensions of intimacy and their relationship to marital discord and psychological dysfunction; personality factors and their link to intimacy, marital discord, and psychological dysfunction; qualitative studies of couples characterized by marital conflict and/or psychological dysfunction; cohabitating couples and mixed intimate relationships; and the concept of gender and how the gender system influences intimate relationships. (Thirteen pages of references are included.) (NB)