چکیده (انگلیسی):

This study compares computer attitudes of people with severe mental illnesses to previously published results for other populations; examines the relationship between sociodemographic factors and computer attitudes among people with a mental illness; and studies the relationship between computer attitudes, experience and interest in computer training. Attitudes are measured using the Computer Attitude Scale developed by Gressard and Loyd [Association for Educational Data Systems Journal 18 (1986) 295]. A survey was conducted with 262 persons participating in mental health programs. Results indicate that people with severe mental illnesses have some experience with computers, have attitudes that are comparable to those of college students assessed in previous published studies, and both experience and attitudes predict interest in computer training. However, mediational analyses indicate that attitudes toward computers completely mediates the relationship between experience and interest in computer training. Discussion focuses on the need for more research that examines how experience and attitudes may interact in accounting for future computer-related interests. The results also suggest that the attitudes and interests of people with severe mental illnesses justifies the provision of computer training to those who are interested in order to increase their success in the labor market.