Use of computer technology to enhance immigrant families' adaptation.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize how computer technology influenced immigrant families' adaptation to life in the United States.


METHODS
Critical ethnography.


METHODS
Data were collected from 1998 to 2000 from 13 parents and 16 children from nine Taiwanese immigrant families using semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. Narrative analysis was used with interview data.


RESULTS
Participants faced the demands of language proficiency, economic survival, loss of social networks, and social disconnection during resettlement. Computer technology provided participants with new occupational opportunities and strategies to overcome the barriers and stress created by resettlement. Internet and E-mail access greatly facilitated these participant families' adaptation.


CONCLUSIONS
Study findings warrant further exploration to assess bow new computer technology promotes immigrant families' adaptation and alleviates stress associated with resettlement, including information about their health and health care.
Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7263, USA. jennyt@u.washington.edu
Jenny Hsin-Chun
JH
Tsai
D000069:Acculturation; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers / Q000208:ethnology*; D002648:Child; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D034742:Electronic Mail / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration; D005007:Ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D019303:Multilingualism; D015205:Northwestern United States; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan / Q000208:ethnology