In this cross-sectional study, psychosocial factors were assessed in patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) (n=20) and healthy subjects (n=20) matched for sex, age, and education. These factors were assessed during the active phase of DU and again 3 months following the completion of medical treatment. The psychosocial factors included psychological distress symptoms, stressful life events, coping skills, and quality of social relationships. Data were gathered through SCL-90-R, Life Event Checklist, Coping Skills Inventory and Quality of Relationship Inventory (ORI). Results indicated that there were significant relationships between DU disease in acute phase and end of therapy and psychosocial distress symptoms. The severity of symptoms was higher among females than males and that the female patients showed more reduction in the severity of their symptoms than male patients. The patients had experienced significantly more acute and chronic stressful life events than the subjects in the control group and that they suffered more stress and frustration. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of their coping skills and strategies in dealing with problems. It was found that following the completion of their treatment, the patients received less support from their parents, had more conflict with their support group,  specially with their spouses, and their relationships with their parents became more superficial.