Studies conclude that extramarital affairs are considered by counselors to be the third most difficult marital problem to treat and the second most damaging problem to couples. Often times the damage goes unresolved and leads to the dissolution of the relationship. The authors reviewed the current literature regarding the consequences extramarital affairs have on a couple’s relationship and the impact affairs have on treatment. Additionally, the authors discuss the counselor’s role in facilitating treatment specifying the clinical and ethical implications involved when disclosing an extramarital affair.

The Mental Capacity Act will come into force in 2007. It sets out guidelines for the ethical review of research involving incompetent adults which will have an impact on the REC process. This paper attempts to explain the Act's requirements in a way that will give research ethics committees some clarity about what must be considered when reviewing applications. Potential difficulties have been highlighted with guidance as to how these might be resolved.

No abstract