The Microcomputer as a Psychotherapeutic Aid

This paper describes the efforts of a psychologist to use word processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs as psycho-therapeutic aids with chronic psychiatric patients. The basic goal was to enhance users' feelings of mastery and self-esteem. Individual and group interventions are briefly described as well as positive responses and resistances to computer use. No differences in computer utilization were found based on diagnosis, age, or educational level. Future areas of research are delineated.