Treating technophobia: A longitudinal evaluation of the computerphobia reduction program

This study describes a longitudinal evaluation of the Computerphobia Reduction Program. This program, aimed at reducing psychological reactions to computers and technology, includes two individualized treatment modules and one group treatment module to fit different types of computerphobics. One hundred and sixty-two students (clients) began one or more treatment modules while enrolled in a course that required computer interaction. Clients showed dramatic changes following the 5-week program, including decreased computer anxiety, improved computer cognitions, and enhanced computer attitudes. All treatment modules were equally successful in eliminating psychological reactions to computers. Two comparison studies added further support, showing that (a) clients evidenced a 50% reduction in dropout rate, an eightfold decrease in dropout rate, and a significant increase in graded performance in their computer course, and (b) clients had more marked changes in anxiety, cognitions, and knowledge in the 5-week program than comparable students in a variety of 10-week courses involving computer use. Finally, program dropouts were found to have more computer anxiety, more negative computer attitudes, and more negative computer cognitions than either the program clients or students who chose not to start a program module. Forty-one students were examined 6 months later and showed a maintenance of program gains plus a dramatic increase in computer knowledge and computer interaction. Perhaps most telling is that 50% of these former computerphobics would now consider a career involving computers. These results are discussed as evidence that computerphobia, whose roots are evident as early as childhood, can be treated successfully with brief, psychologically based intervention strategies.