Final answer:
Frank and Valerie may encounter marital challenges as a natural aspect of being a married couple, including stress and adaptations to changes within the relationship or external events such as the loss of a spouse.
Step-by-step explanation:
Frank and Valerie are likely to experience marital challenges primarily because they are a married couple. Marriage can bring both positive experiences and stress, as suggested by Lazarus and Folkman (1984) who describe stress and coping mechanisms within relationships.
According to Lavner, Karney, and Bradbury (2013), newlyweds often have an optimistic outlook on marriage which may be challenged over time. The bond between spouses is vital, as the breakage and formation of bonds in chemistry is similar to that of getting married or divorced, with marriage generally being seen as more favorable.
Additionally, in the event of the death of a spouse, individuals experience their postmarital lives differently, with Davidson (2002) noting that men are more likely to remarry than women, who may enjoy newfound independence.
These differences in experiences and challenges shape the way couples like Frank and Valerie navigate their married life.