ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an assessment format that assumes that the assessing therapist is aware that one or both members of the couple suffers from an eating disorder. Routine assessment of couple functioning/ dysfunctioning may not reveal this fact unless the therapist asks about it specifically or one member of the couple is obviously emaciated. Any undetected conditions, including eating disorders, are likely to have an adverse effect on the course of marital treatment. As marital therapists begin routinely to inquire about sexual and physical abuse, they may also benefit from a brief evaluation of eating habits and concerns about body image when assessing couples.
