Repatriated prisoners of war were studied to determine the types of stress faced during internment, their major reactions to that stress, and their reactions after repatriation. Withdrawal was the major psychological reaction to stress and appeared in almost every man at some time or another, varying only in intensity or duration. If stresses were not too severe the person withdrew physically if possible and avoided involvement with the environment. Environment producing severe stress, coupled with physical deprivation, evoked more complete withdrawal, a maladaptive state of dependency in which the individual ceased to take care of himself, even to the point of death. After repatriation the apathetic adjustment appropriate to prison camp life was quickly abandoned. Beneath the over lack of emotional spontaneity are pent-up feelings which continue to be a