Those sentenced to prison bring with them individual characteristics acquired prior to incarceration. This study assesses the effect of pre-prison experiences on adjustment to the prison environment. Regression analysis indicates that pre-prison experiences are significantly related to the likelihood of participating in, or being exposed to, elements of the incarceration experience that may cause Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (PTSS). A second component of this study assesses the relationship between elements of the incarceration experience and PTSS.