Cognitive factors in computer anxiety

The recent growth of computer technology has been accompanied by an increasing number of individuals who are anxious or intimidated by computers. The current study was designed to test a cognitive model of computer anxiety, where computer anxiety is seen as a function of internal dialogue, underlying meaning systems, behavioral acts, and behavioral outcomes when working on a computer. The Self-Statements About Computers (SSAC) checklist was empirically developed to assess thoughts or internal dialogue associated with anxiety and computer use, as well as the meaning of those thoughts for the individual. Analyses revealed that high computer-anxious subjects had lower expectations of performance and reported more debilitative thoughts during an actual computer task. They also reported higher levels of anxiety during this computer interaction, had more bodily sensations, and took longer to complete the task. In addition, high computer-anxious individuals reported less computer experience and mechanical interest, and higher levels of math anxiety. These results support the proposed cognitive model of computer anxiety and suggest directions for clinical intervention.Portions of this study were presented at the Annual Convention of the Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy, Houston, November 1985. We would like to thank Kevin Knight, Bob Heinssen, and Kevin Richardson for their assistance in conducting this research.