Information Technology Attitudes and Behaviors Among Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities Who Use the Internet: Results of a Web-Based Survey

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to use Web-based survey methodology to examine the use of information technology (IT) by people with psychiatric disabilities, as well as its association with self-determination in their lives. Survey respondents were recruited via notices posted on mental health listserves and Web sites as well as through newsletters and emails. A total of 911 respondents completed the survey. Respondents reported diverse uses of the Internet, in some cases exceeding usage reported by the general population. A positive association was identified between frequency of Internet use and self-assessed degree of self-determination. In multivariate analyses controlling for demographic variables (including income and education) and impairment indicators (including hospitalization history), those with higher self-determination were significantly less likely to hold negative attitudes about Internet use. Many respondents reported using IT to advocate for themselves, as well as to organize others in groups that can advocate for each other.

Narrowing the “digital divide”—facilitating access to computer technology to enhance the lives of those with aphasia: a feasibility study

“…Furthermore, enlargement of social networks and increased levels of independence and selfdetermination have also been reported among individuals with disabilities using computer technology (Cook et al, 2005;Grimaldi & Goette, 1999). The psychosocial benefits of providing Internet access to healthy older adults have been widely reported (Koss et al, 2013) and illustrated in a retirement community which highlighted the importance of facilitating access to technology by older adults (White et al, 2002).…”

The disability divide in internet access and use

“…Much the way that medical and other forms of assistive technology have improved the physical functioning of people with disabilities, ICT have been viewed as tools that enable people with disabilities to escape the isolation and stigma that sometimes accompany their disabilities. Internet access has been shown to improve how individuals with disabilities evaluate their level and quality of communication with others (Bradley and Poppen 2003) and their sense of independence and self-determination (Cook et al 2005;Grimaldi and Goette 1999).…”

Build a Better Mouse: Directly-Observed Issues in Computer Use for Adults with SMI

“…In a separate study of 319 patients with psychiatric disorders, home computer and internet access differentiated internet users from non-users; individuals without a computer in their homes were significantly less likely to use the internet [11]. Even among psychiatric patients who had internet access, use and experience was significantly less likely for individuals who had lower incomes, less education, more psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or more disabling mental health conditions [12]. Among individuals who accessed computers outside of their home, they did so at libraries, mental health centers, schools/universities, family members’ homes, community centers, and employment settings [10, 12].…”

“…Even among psychiatric patients who had internet access, use and experience was significantly less likely for individuals who had lower incomes, less education, more psychiatric hospitalizations, and/or more disabling mental health conditions [12]. Among individuals who accessed computers outside of their home, they did so at libraries, mental health centers, schools/universities, family members’ homes, community centers, and employment settings [10, 12]. Across studies, younger and more educated participants reported more computer experience.…”