EXTRAMARITAL SEXUAL AFFAIRS

In this essay, sexual acting out is subdivided into four forms in orde r to better define their separate meanings to the unfaithful spouse, t he partner, and the therapist: affairs, just-sex, making-do sex, imagi nary partner sex. The conventional justifications for considering any sexual acting out a form of psychopathology are presented. These justi fications are more compelling in some forms of acting out than others. Love affairs, the major subject of this paper, can also be understood as an existential choice that arises within a large array of social a nd psychological situations. The conscious experience of the betrayed and the betrayer is explored. Guidelines for the therapist's role in d ealing with individuals and couples involved in these life-changing ex periences are offered.