JCNRJournal of Clinical and Nursing Research2208-36852208-3693Bio-Byword Scientific Publishing Pty. Ltd.10.26689/JCNR.v10i8.15962ArticleSelf-Regulatory Fatigue in Chronic Disease Self-Management: A Narrative Review of Assessment, Associations, and Potential Interventionshttps://artdesignp.com/journal/JCNR/10/8/10.26689/JCNR.v10i8.15962TianXinran,XuChangxin,ZhangHuafang20261082026-08-31Self-regulatory fatigue may contribute to difficulties in sustaining self-management among patients with chronic diseases. This narrative review summarizes its conceptual development and assessment, examines its relationship with self-management, and reviews potential interventions. Current evidence suggests that self-regulatory fatigue is associated with poorer self-management and may serve as a process variable linking psychological, social, and disease-related factors with self-management behaviors. Available assessment instruments differ in their conceptual focus and target populations. The Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale most directly assesses this construct, whereas other instruments primarily assess related aspects of ego depletion, including its state, sources, and consequences. Potential interventions include psychological and social resource support, physical activity and self-regulation training, and digitally supported multicomponent approaches. However, direct intervention evidence remains limited, and current observational studies do not establish temporal or causal relationships. Future research should improve disease-specific assessment, clarify longitudinal relationships, identify potential pathways within appropriate theoretical frameworks, and evaluate targeted interventions through rigorous randomized controlled trials.Ego depletion, Health behavior, Psychological resources, Patient engagement, Treatment adherence, Digital health

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