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Choice Theory explains why (and to a great extent how) people behave. All behaviour is purposeful and we choose behaviours that will assist us to meet our 5 Basic Needs i.e.
- Survival = money, somewhere to live, something to eat, somewhere to live, & safety.
- Love & Belonging = friendships, social activities, being a part of something
- Power (internal control) = recognition, appreciation and life purpose
- Fun = always learning, enjoying life
- Freedom = choice of job, decision making skills, independence
Every human being has these 5 Basic Needs!
Choice theory teaches that all behaviour is chosen to control ones self in an attempt to satisfy one or more of our basic needs. Choice Theory also states that all behaviour is internally motivated and chosen.
Choice Theory is the opposite of external control psychology. Dr William Glasser
How is Choice Theory Used?
Choice theory is used to teach internal control psychology i.e. the only thing that we have any control over is our own behaviour! Choice Theory educates people to change their behaviour in order to make informed life choices.
Choice Theory teaches people the importance of taking responsibility for actions; therefore it places the decision-making capacity and control squarely where it belongs – “with each person”. Decision making is focused on the present and oriented to the future.
Choice Theory teaches that we cannot just do what we like. It encourages all to “act with integrity” within the boundaries of our particular situation.
Most importantly Choice Theory teaches the importance of living in a “needs satisfying” environment.
“Choice Theory is a complete change from what has been common sense to what…will become, in time a new common sense”. This change is not easy!
(Glasser, William 1999, Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom)
Choice Theory & Quality World
Choice theory explains that the reason that we perceive much of reality so differently from others has to do with another important world unique to each of use called the Quality World. This small personal world which each person starts to create in his or her memory shortly after birth and continues to create and recreate throughout life is made up of a small group of specific pictures that portray more than anything else we know the best ways to satisfy one or more of our basic needs.
Our Quality World is made up of pictures from the following 3 categories…
- The people we most want to be with
- The things we most want to own or experience
- The ideas or system of belief that govern much of our behaviour
In order to form a meaningful relationships it is essential to become part of others Quality World in order to build trust, respect and rapport.
Bill Glasser states, “We need to try to learn what is in their Quality World and then try to support it. Doing so will bring us closer to that person than anything else we can do”
(Dr William Glasser Choice Theory – A New Psychology of Personal Freedom)
Example of a Quality World in pictorial format…
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