"He doesn't quite accept we have to modify our lives," she said, describing one of the common sources of marital stress.

Another common source of marital stress is a spouse who retreats into work.

As the marital stress increases she may be more amenable to diagnostic evaluation.

Studies consistently show that the physiological effects of marital stress are stronger and last longer in women.

Some people wait until their children are grown to separate, and "economic stress is leading to marital stress," he said.

Neither neighbors nor professional colleagues had seen any overt signs of marital stress.

Use knowledge that marital stress affects kids to make changes not to beat yourself up further.

One study, for example, showed that marital stress can double a person's risk of developing diabetes.

Alcohol abuse also can have serious repercussions on a person's life, leading to financial and legal troubles, as well as marital stress.

So far, the big money has escaped him; his 13 matches this year have yielded $150 a match, and some marital stress.