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 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.
van Mens-Verhulst
Janneke
J
Department of Health Psychology, Research School Psychology and Health, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.vanmens-verhulst@fss.uu.nl
van Dijkum
Cor
C
van Kuijk
Edzel
E
Lam
Niek
N
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015984:Causality; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005221:Fatigue / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016014:Linear Models; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009426:Netherlands; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011340:Problem Solving; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013597:Systems Analysis; D013997:Time Factors