The Computerphobia Reduction Program: Year 1. Program development and preliminary results

The program development and first-year results of a 3-year U.S. Department of Education Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) grant are described. The identification of computerphobics and the types of discomfort they experience are defined. A clinically based 5-week model computerphobia reduction and skills-acquisition program is presented. Screening and assessment measures are outlined and three treatment modules—two individual treatments (systematic desensitization and thought stopping) and an information/support group—are described. The first-year results demonstrate significant pretreatment-to-posttreatment change in anxiety, attitudes, cognitions, and feelings. Plans are discussed for further evaluation and program expansion.