Some of the literature, both physiological and psychological, on the causation of peptic ulcer, is briefly reviewed. A research group of twenty-one patients is then described and statistically analysed.

Traits common to the group included loneliness, ambition, fear of rejection, strong humanitarian impulses, belief that emotional conflicts were the basis of their symptoms, vivid childhood memories, and strong family loyalties. Improvement in symptoms was commonly associated with depression, frequent dermatological disorders and bowel difficulties.

The actual work done with the patients is not discussed, but it appears that a great deal of material was obtained from them, from which a general formulation of the psychodynamic factors was made. The main findings were marked hostility to the mother arising out of a passive dependency, anxiety in males as to their passive homosexual attitudes, which in an intolerant cultural group may explain the higher incidence in males, and intense sibling rivalry.