Career
In 1989, Vaughan published "The Monogamy Myth," which challenged many of the prevailing attitudes and assumptions about the issue of extramarital affairs with the goal of "helping people be better prepared to either prevent affairs or to recover if it happens." A follow-up edition was published in 2003 with the subtitle "A Personal Handbook for Recovering from Affairs."
In addition to multiple appearances on The Philosophy Donahue Show, Vaughan frequently appeared in the national media as an expert on infidelity, including on Oprah, Montel Williams, Cable News Network, Columbia Broadcasting System"s 48 Hours, and Fox News. In 1992, the Vaughans wrote "Making Love Stay," which shared their insights about long-term relationships. In a 1999 keynote at the Smart Marriages conference, Vaughan shared her perspective on rebuilding marriage after an affair:
Answer all questions and hang in through the inevitable emotional turmoil.
Sever contact with the third party and build trust through actions, not promises.
Make a commitment to honesty and ongoing honest communication. Accept the fact that monogamy is an issue that"s never settled "once and for all."
After a four-year battle with cancer, Vaughan died at her home in Louisiana Jolla, California on November 8, 2012.
Upon her death, many of her writings were donated to the public.