PURPOSE: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-care management behaviors of individuals with chronic disease and their adaptation to chronic illness. METHODS: This cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted with 312 patients treated at a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey between December 2023 and March 2024. The data were collected using a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the Self-Care Management Scale in Chronic Illness (SCMP-G) and the Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS). RESULTS: Mean total scores of the participants for SCMP-G were 107.52 ± 12.51 and 77.00 ± 10.00 for ACIS. There was a low-level negative correlation between age and chronic disease adaptation (rh = -0.201
P <
0.001). Adaptation to chronic illness decreased with increasing age. There was a low-level negative correlation between BMI and physical adaptation (rh = -0.127
P = 0.026) and self-guarding (rh = -0.114
P = 0.046). As BMI increased, physical adaptation and self-guarding decreased. Regression analyses revealed that age (β = -0.115, t = -0.511, P <
0.05) and economic status (β = 2.698, t = -2.487, P <
0.05) had a significant effect on adaptation to chronic illness. Multiple regression analysis of the effect of self-guarding and social guarding variables on adaptation to chronic illness was significant (F = 3.504, P <
0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, self-care management behaviors have a significant effect on adaptation to chronic illness and individual characteristics affect the results. Individual assistance should be extended to the patients to develop self-care management behaviors, which can induce lifestyle changes and necessary trainings should be planned. Future research should prioritize evaluating nurse-led interdisciplinary interventions and exploring the impact of tailored strategies for specific chronic conditions to improve self-care and adaptation.