Adaptation to a chronic illness is a complex dyadic process for couples, as illness impacts both partners and involves shared management efforts. This study presents findings from two prospective studies that utilized network analysis to explore this intricate process. Network analysis is a powerful methodological approach for examining the complex relationships between interconnected variables. It visualizes these relationships, providing valuable insights into the dynamic links among multiple factors. Both studies focused on illness perceptions and well-being in patients with cardiovascular disease and their spouses. Study 1 investigated the relationships among three illness cognitions —illness acceptance, helplessness, and benefit-finding— and symptoms of anxiety and depression in 75 couples (69 male patients; mean patient age = 60.03 years, SD = 9.44; mean spouse age = 56 years, SD = 8.92). Study 2 explored the interconnections between three illness representations —personal control, treatment control, and illness consequences— and physical and psychological well-being in 104 couples (79 male patients; mean patient age = 64.36 years, SD = 11.75; mean spouse age = 60.04 years, SD = 13.94). The results revealed distinct clusters: patient and partner illness perceptions grouped together, while patient and partner well-being formed a separate cluster. These clusters were interconnected by patient depressive symptoms in Study 1 and by spouse emotional well-being and patient personal control in Study 2. Furthermore, illness perceptions in both patients and partners were linked to well-being through a rich network of indirect connections. The variables most critical to these connections related to perceived control over illness and its impact. Overall, the findings provide a comprehensive understanding of dyadic adaptation to illness, highlighting key factors and processes —such as emotional responses to illness, perceived illness impact, and sense of control— that can inform interventions aiming at improving adaptation for patients and their partners.