Self-efficacy support in senior computer interaction

Self-efficacy of seniors could be negatively affected by stress during computer interaction, yet, empirical evidence is lacking. In an experiment, seniors performed tasks on low-and high-complexity search systems. Self-efficacy was manipulated by performance feedback. Results demonstrate that negative feedback increases stress and decreases self-efficacy. Furthermore, positive feedback increases seniors' self-efficacy during computer interaction and a significant effect was found of self-efficacy on stress. Perceived stress increased with decreasing self-efficacy. System complexity influenced self-efficacy; yet, no relation was found between system complexity and stress. To increase self-efficacy and to decrease stress in senior-computer interaction, it is advised to support seniors during computer interaction with positive performance feedback.