While much anecdotal evidence exists to support the belief that inmates soon to be released from custody have increased susceptibility to stress-related behavior disorders, few research studies have been conducted to formally substantiate this belief. This study attempts to document the existence and behavioral manifestations of behavior measures and prerelease stress through the use of MMPI scores, behavioral measures and a Likert type, multiple-item Mood States Questionnaire (MSQ). Ninety-eight male and female inmates were classified as either 'short' or 'long' depending on the time remaining on their sentence. Study results suggest that prerelease stress exists in a certain number of inmates and that additional research is needed to more precisely determine other variables associated with susceptibility to this type of stress. (Author abstract)