Coping with Computer-Stress

This research investigated coping strategies used by computer users who experienced varying degrees of computer-stress. Eighty-three college student computer users completed a research questionnaire with information about: computer use, computer knowledge, self-esteem, level of computer-stress, somatization/anxiety, stressful computer problem, and use of coping strategies. Based on scores derived from the Computer Hassles Scale, the students were classified as either experiencing high or low levels of computer-stress. Statistical analyses of differences revealed that high computer-stress users had lower self-rated computer abilities, lower self-esteem, and reported higher levels of somatization and anxiety. High computer-stress users, in contrast to low computer-stress users, significantly employed at higher levels confrontive, self-controlling, and accepting responsibility coping strategies in dealing with computer problems. The coping strategies employed by high computer-stress users were primarily emotional-focused coping strategies. The low computer-stress group tended to adopt a problem-solving coping strategy in dealing with computer problems.