The s-like (⌫ 8 Ϫ ,⌫ 6 ϩ ) and d-like (⌫ 8 Ϫ , ⌫ 8 ϩ ) free exciton ͑FE͒ states and the corresponding self-trapped exciton ͑STE͒ states in CsI have been studied under hydrostatic pressure up to 1.3 GPa. As the pressure is increased, the lowest-energy FE state is changed from the s-likeand consequently the lowest-energy STE state is changed from the s-like state to the d-like state: The latter is evidenced by the replacement of the s-like STE luminescence ͑3.7-eV band͒ by the d-like STE luminescence ͑4.7-eV band͒. At high pressure the s-like and d-like STE's fall into a quasithermal equilibrium distribution. Based on the results, we discuss the pressure-induced changes of the adiabatic potential energy surfaces of the STE states in CsI. ͓S0163-1829͑96͒08347-6͔ HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE EFFECTS ON THE FREE . . .