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Participation in a Computer Training Program and Well-Being Among Religious Sisters in a Retirement Community

ABSTRACT Considerable research has focused on computer technology and well-being among the elderly. Yet, few studies have addressed retired religious sisters. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the relationship between participation in a computer training program and well-being among religious sisters living in a retirement community. A computer-training program was developed and participation in the program was assessed using multi-methods. Two samples of sisters were selected; those who participated in the computer training program (N = 12), and those who did not participate (N = 12). Participant observation, assessment of computer skills, the Psychological General Well-Being (PGWB) Schedule (Dupuy, 1984) and face-to-face interviews were used to examine the relationship between the computer training program and well-being among the two groups of women. Mean scores from the PGWB Schedule indicated that those who did not participate in the computer program scored slightly higher on the total index and the subscales than the participants. Themes from participant observations and the face-to-face interviews with the non-participants suggest that involvement in other activities and responsibilities may have been factors that influenced higher scores on the well-being items. While religious responsibilities are primary in the lives of both groups of sisters, themes from the observations, the assessment of computer skills, and the face-to-face interviews among the participant group revealed a great degree of accomplishment and well-being associated with the opportunity to learn a new and exciting activity. Implications for future practice and research are discussed.