Six case studies were reported of married patients (4 female, 2 male, aged 28-64 yrs) with severe asthma to examine evidence of airways reactivity triggered by strong emotions. The videotaped interactions of the asthmatic and his/her spouse were coded for affect and behavior. Repeated measures of pulmonary function and affective state were recorded before and after two interaction tasks using the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist (M. Zuckerman & Lubin, 1965). Two patients’ pulmonary function improved and 4 patients’ deteriorated were reported during the experiment, . The female participants evidenced about twice the pulmonary reactivity of male participants, indicating a greater physiological reactivity involving marital conflict. In general, decreased pulmonary function was associated with more self-rated hostility and depression. Results are discussed in terms of their implications decreased pulmonary function was associated with more self-rated hostility and depression. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for the intra- and interpersonal factors that are important in asthma management.