Older Adults' Coping With the Stress Involved in the Use of Everyday Technologies

J Appl Gerontol. 2016 Feb;35(2):131-49. doi: 10.1177/0733464813515089. Epub 2013 Dec 30.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to examine the frequency of reported use of everyday technologies (EDT) and its associations with self-efficacy, stress appraisal, and coping strategies.

Design and methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 150 participants (aged ≥ 65 years), measuring use of EDT by means of self-report questionnaires and a computerized simulator of an automatic teller machine (ATM), and EDT-related self-efficacy, stress appraisal, and coping strategies questionnaires.

Results: Structured equation modeling analysis showed that EDT-related self-efficacy was related to higher use of EDT, through the mediation of EDT-related stress and coping strategies. Logistic regression showed that use of ATM simulator was predicted by self-efficacy, younger age, and female gender.

Implications: Enhancing EDT-self efficacy is suggested to increase the use of EDT among elder adults. The use of simulators may be an efficient mean to promote EDT self-efficacy and use.

Keywords: coping; everyday technology; older adults; self-efficacy; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Answering Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Banking, Personal / statistics & numerical data
  • Cell Phone / statistics & numerical data
  • Computers / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Man-Machine Systems*
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Self Report
  • Stress, Psychological / prevention & control*