AbstractThe response of common but disturbing gastric complaints to psychological intervention has not been studied despite evidence that clinical levels of gastrointestinal disorders respond to treatment. The present study examines the effect of a behaviorally oriented stress reduction program on such self‐reported gastrointestinal complaints among a group of 179 subjects. Pre‐and post‐treatment measures were obtained on the frequency of indigestion, nausea, ulcer attacks, colitis, diarrhea, and constipation complaints. Significant decreases were found from pre to post indigestion, nausea, colitis, diarrhea, and constipation and significant decreases were maintained at follow‐up for indigestion, nausea and constipation complaints. These results suggest that relief from common gastric complaints may be obtained from a behaviorally oriented treatment program, and that such a program may also affect the potential development of maladaptive learned gastric response