The book explores the paradox of why affairs continue to be condemned as immoral at a time when the incidence of affairs continues to rise, and they have become the basic ingredients of soap operas, novels and the media.

Advances social research/theoretical discussion on the study of sexual affairs in committed personal relationships. For researchers, scholars, and students in social psychology, communication, sociology, family social, and clinical psychology, and for practitioners in couple counseling.

"Drawing on social psychology, psychology, sociology, and family systems, with various theoretical and methodological perspectives, The State of Affairs is a rich resource for the seasoned counselor and the new professional."—The Family Journal