Previous research on the public's response to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has been concerned with attitudes and knowledge in relation to the disease itself. This study investigated people's willingness to interact with individuals with AIDS in the workplace. Participants (N=358) were college students with an average age of 25. Subjects were asked to imagine themselves as part of small cohesive work team whose members interacted frequently under one of six conditions. Conditions varied by type of illness of a team member (AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis) and whether or not that member had any control over acquiring the illness. Subjects also completed a survey of AIDS knowledge. Results demonstrated that type of illness affected willingness to interact with individuals; AIDS patients were reacted to least positively, followed by hepatitis, and cancer patients. Perceived control over the disease did not affect reactions. (Author/ABL)