The study of how and what we think about groups and persons who are stigmatized plays a critical role in a comprehensive analysis of stigma. This is apparent if we assume that behavior in actual or symbolic encounters of the general public with persons who may be stigmatized, such as members of persecuted minorities, can be understood in terms of how and what the participants in the encounter are thinking. This chapter focuses on the study of such thought and considers its character, origins, development, functioning, and consequences from a cognitive social psychological perspective.