Authors : Hansika S.; Shanmathi S. K.; Tharunika A. H.; Pratisha Ruba S. S.; Shaheena N. S.; Dr. D.P. Sivasakti Balan; Thatumanaswamy

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/np52c5d9

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3rdrzrr9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jan316

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Decision fatigue refers to the decline in decision-making quality that occurs after prolonged periods of mental effort and self-control. This phenomenon is particularly relevant to adolescents, as teenagers face an increasing number of daily choices while their cognitive control systems, especially the prefrontal cortex, are still developing. The modern teenage lifestyle—characterized by academic pressure, social expectations, and constant digital engagement—creates an environment of continuous decision-making that can overwhelm limited mental resources. This study examines why decision fatigue affects teenagers more than other age groups and how it negatively influences concentration, self-control, and behavioral outcomes. Drawing on previous research, the paper highlights key consequences of decision fatigue, including impulsive behavior, reliance on mental shortcuts, procrastination, reduced persistence, emotional exhaustion, and impaired judgment. While recent meta-analyses have questioned the universality of the decision fatigue effect, evidence suggests that adolescents remain particularly vulnerable due to emotional sensitivity, limited experience, and high external demands. The study also explores practical strategies to reduce decision fatigue among teens, such as simplifying daily choices, establishing routines, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, making important decisions during periods of high alertness, and strengthening parental support. By understanding and addressing decision fatigue, this research emphasizes the importance of structured environments and supportive guidance in promoting better decision-making, improved concentration, and overall well- being among teenagers. The mental exhaustion and declining quality of choices after making decisions,depleting your willpower and mental energy, leading to procrastination, impulsive choices, or defaulting to easy / bad options. It’s like a muscle getting tired; the more choices you face (from what to wear to major work issues), the harder it becomes to make good and thoughtful decisions, causing you to use mental shortcuts or avoid choosing altogether.

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