In order to investigate predictors of children's short-term adjustment to hospitalization, 19 boys and 20 girls, ages 5 to 15+ years admitted to a pediatric unit of a state medical center and hospitalized between 2 and 6 days, were assessed for depression and anxiety. A multimethod-multitrait assessment protocol was administered, including two self-report rating scales, a semistructured interview, a revised parent rating form of the Behavior Upset in Medical Patients (R-BUMP), and parent interview. On regression analysis, the most consistently significant predictor of psychological distress was the number of physical stressors. Implications for psychiatric consultants designing prevention and intervention programs for this population are discussed.