Intertemporal Decision-Making Ability in Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Concept Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Health Behavior
• Chronic Disease Management

Background:

• Intertemporal decision-making ability impacts health behavior adherence and clinical outcomes in chronic disease patients.
• The concept of intertemporal decision-making ability is not yet well-defined in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key attributes, antecedents, and consequences of intertemporal decision-making ability in patients with chronic diseases.
• To define the concept of intertemporal decision-making ability for better understanding and application in chronic disease care.

Main Methods:

• Walker and Avant's concept analysis method was employed.
• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, CNKI) up to January 2026.

Main Results:

• Thirty-five articles were included in the analysis.
• Four defining attributes were identified: impulse control, emotional self-regulation, future health valuation, and future-oriented thinking/planning.
• Antecedents include economic factors, knowledge, perceived competence, disease/emotional status, personality, and time perspective. Consequences include improved psychological status, adherence, and clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Intertemporal decision-making ability is a multidimensional psychological construct in chronic disease patients.
• Understanding this concept aids in developing assessment tools and targeted interventions.
• Clinical interventions should focus on deficient attributes (e.g., using immediate rewards, environmental restructuring, health education, episodic future thinking training) to enhance ability, improve adherence, and optimize outcomes.