GASTRIC-ACID SECRETION IN RELATION TO PERSONALITY, AFFECT AND COPING ABILITY IN DUODENAL-ULCER PATIENTS

The role of personality, mood state (affect) and coping ability (ego strength) on basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion were assessed in 56 duodenal ulcer patients using the Minnesota, Muliphasic Personality Inventory. The patients had hi,oh scores on most MMPI scales, but basal acid output was related significantly only to the hypochondriasis scale and the validity scale L. Peak acid output was related significantly only to the validity scale L. Both basal and peak acid output were related significantly, but positively to coping ability. No relations were found to mood state. The personality disorders found in peptic ulcer patients may evidently be consequences of the disease rather than causal factors.