Marital Subsystem

Marital subsystem, also known as conjugal or spousal subsystem, refers to behavioral patterns ideally characterized by each partner supporting the other. This relationship between married individuals preferably manifest cooperation, open communication, and effective conflict resolution.

For instance, a couple follows a system in resolving conflicts; they talk about their issues in their car and use a coin flip to decide who will talk first. They agree to try their best to refrain from shouting so their kids will not be affected by their conflicts.