The self-regulation of fatigue and associated complaints: an exploratory simulation

A computer simulation has been developed that reflects the microdynamics of dealing with fatigue and associated complaints. The theoretical base was derived from Leventhal, Nerenz and Steele’s self-regulation model; the empirical base from a large-scale diary study carried out over a period of 3 wee...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Patient education and counseling 2003, Vol.49 (1), p.53-57
Main Authors: van Mens-Verhulst, Janneke, van Dijkum, Cor, van Kuijk, Edzel, Lam, Niek
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Attitude to Health
Causality
Computer Simulation
Fatigue
Fatigue - prevention & control
Fatigue - psychology
Feedback, Psychological
Health Behavior
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Services Needs and Demand
Humans
Intervention
Life Style
Linear Models
Models, Psychological
Netherlands
Nonlinear Dynamics
Nursing
Patient Education as Topic - organization & administration
Patient’s self-regulation
Problem Solving
Self Care - methods
Self Care - psychology
Self-Assessment
Systems Analysis
Time Factors
Unpredictability
Vague complaints
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Summary:A computer simulation has been developed that reflects the microdynamics of dealing with fatigue and associated complaints. The theoretical base was derived from Leventhal, Nerenz and Steele’s self-regulation model; the empirical base from a large-scale diary study carried out over a period of 3 weeks. The simulation results demonstrate that the process of self-regulation is non-linear. Consequently, some patient education assumptions are challenged: that individuals suffering from fatigue and associated complaints are likely to follow a similar trajectory, that interventions should not be started until after a 6 weeks delay, and that an intervention always produces the same results. These insights may be generalised to other health complaints that have no medical explanation.
ISSN:0738-3991
1873-5134
DOI:10.1016/S0738-3991(02)00040-X