Abstract: Despite extensive literature on eating disorders, there is a void when it comes to eating disorders and marital relationships. This study aims to fill in that void, and serve as a guide for future research. A qualitative investigation of the relationship between eating disorders and heterosexual marital relationships was conducted. A grounded theory design as set forth by Strauss and Corbin (1990) was used to guide the research methodology and analysis. Eight married couples in which fours wives met DSM-IV-TR criteria for anorexia nervosa and four met criteria for bulimia nervosa participated conjointly in audio-taped semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed for common themes using the constant comparative method of data analysis (Rafuls & Moon, 1996; Strauss & Corbin, 1990). Positive and negative influences of the eating disorder on the marital relationship were discovered; as well as positive and negative influences of the marital relationship on the course and/or maintenance of the eating disorder. A recursive relationship between eating disorders and marital relationships was revealed in many of the prominent themes. Eight major categories were developed during the coding process. Those categories were Role Dynamics, Couples Approach to the Eating Disorder, Support, Trust, Acceptance, Communication, Intimacy, and Security. Using these categories, a grounded theory of the relationship between eating disorders and marital relationships is presented in both diagram form and storyline writing. Emotional accessibility was found to be a key factor influencing the course and maintenance of the eating disorder; as well as the impact of the eating disorder on the marital relationship. Clinical implications for assessment, treatment planning, and treatment are presented. Limitations of the study are discussed along with suggestions for future research.