The relationship of instrumental and expressive traits with computer anxiety

The relationship of instrumental and expressive traits with computer anxiety was investigated in a sample of 230 individuals who were university students. The instrumentality model was supported. Scores on instrumentality made significant contributions to the variance in scores on computer anxiety, after the effects of age, sex and computer experience were removed. Neither scores on expressiveness nor the Instrumentality×Expressiveness interaction term were significantly associated with scores on computer anxiety. A model that suggests a mediating role of instrumental traits in the relationship between computer experience and computer anxiety was evaluated and gained tentative support. The investigation expanded the literature on the relationship of instrumental and expressive traits with psychological well-being to the domain of well-being in the context of interaction with computer-based systems. The limitations of the study are considered and suggestions for future research are made.