This study examined the applicability of a multicomponent model to understanding the bases of attitudes toward people with disabilities. The 108 students (65 females, 43 males) reported their attitudes toward three groups -- amputees, people with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), and the chronically depressed. They also completed measures of four potential components of attitudes toward the groups: (1) stereotypes, (2) symbolic beliefs, (3) emotions, and (4) attributions of control. Results demonstrated that, although the components accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in attitudes toward all groups, the pattern of prediction of attitudes differed considerably among groups. Findings indicate that men had less favorable attitudes toward people who are chronically depressed than did women, with perceived control being the sole predictor of men's attitudes toward this group. Results suggest that the elimination of prejudicial attitudes will require a heterogeneous approach since components of attitudes appear to be strongly dependent on the type of disability in question. Discussion focuses on the nature of attitudes toward people with disabilities and on potential means of eliminating prejudicial attitudes. (DB)