despair (p < .02)" (p. 134). In general, although the two gastro-

intestinal syndromes yielded similar results on the MBHI, the IBS

patients had far more generalized psychological problems than the NC

patients. For this reason the investigators concluded that different

treatment modalities would be appropriate.

 As stated above, the literature contains few published studies of

the MBHI, and most of those are only marginally relevant to this study.

Million developed the test because he felt that instruments developed and

normed on psychiatric patients are not appropriate for medical or

surgical patients. Others do not agree with him. In a recent review of

the MBHI, Rustad (1985) stated, "There is no convincing evidence that

the Minnesota Multiphasic Personal Inventory is, per se, inappropriate

for medical patients. Available research indicates that medical illness

is unlikely to change scales more than a few raw score points" (p. 281).

In addition, Rustad suggested that because of "lack of normative and

case history data and interpretive aids, the dearth of published cross-

validation data, and the resultant problems in interpretation, it is

difficult at present to recommend the use of this inventory (the MBHI)

as a clinical instrument without serious reservations" (p. 281).

 At least two other reviewers agree with Rustad, stating that lack

of cross-validation studies and overlapping of test items make it

difficult to evaluate potential utility (Allen, 1985; Lanyon, 1985).

Another complaint is the lack of theory in the manual. The eight basic

coping styles are purportedly based on Millon's theory of biosocial

development, yet there is no explanation of the theory available. All

three reviewers (Allen, 1985; Lanyon, 1985; Rustad, 1985) suggested that