[Techno-Stress; techno-centered and techno-phobia]

Abstract

The "Techno-Stress" is a sociological new concept, hypothesized by Craig Brod and it includes clinically "Techno-Centered" and "Techno-Phobia". Based on 34 cases with mental disorders or psychosomatic diseases, we evaluated symptomatically these categories from standpoint of computer operating works. Fourteen cases represented severe problems in human relationship and they adapted excessively to computer operation. This group was thought as "Techno-Centered" and 50% of them were diagnosed as narcissistic, obsessive and schizophreniform personality. Twenty cases with maladaptation to computer operation were characterized as strict or avoidant personality and this group was evaluated as "Techno-Phobia". The "Techno-Phobia" was thought as simple adjustment disorder caused by new technology, on the other hand, the cases of "Techno-Centered" were seemed to be well-adapted to social skill only superficially, but psychological disturbance should be severer than "Techno-Phobia".