This portrait of sexuality in close relationships presents an extensive examination of current theory and research. Contributors pay particular attention to sexual attitudes, behaviour, satisfaction and coercion, and discuss sexual patterns in several types of sexual relationship: dating, cohabiting, marital and homosexual. They show how sexual aspects of these relationships are related to other characteristics such as love and communication.

Drawing material from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, communication and family studies, the volume also explores sexual standards, predictors of sexual attraction, sexual scripts, the initiation of sex and negotiating safe-sex behaviours.