In our daily lives we are constantly making decisions. What to do, eat, who to be with… It is true that we are influenced by a large number of people (the family, social, academic and work environment have great importance in our lives and can partially direct our behavior) but However, ultimately we are the ones who make the final decision to act or not. We choose.
From psychology, this fact has been studied from different perspectives and has generated several theories. Among them William Glasser’s theory of choice
William Glasser’s theory of choice proposes that human beings are capable of self-control In fact, control of one’s own behavior is solely within our control. Our brain and mind allow behavioral control from within.
This theory comes from the cognitive paradigm, and proposes that although the outside world influences us, we are the only ones responsible for our own actions. The environment only provides us inputs, which we interpret and to which we react in a certain way depending on our choices. Thus, choice theory assumes that we are able to control our thoughts and actions, and even influence our emotions and physiology.
Glasser’s contribution, in turn, supposes that blaming others or chance is a way of avoiding our responsibility to avoid accepting that we have decided to act or not to act for ourselves.
Human beings must be able to realistically interpret situations, take responsibility for their own behaviors and even emotions (since they are generated internally and it is possible to act to modify them) and be governed by both personal and social needs, following ethics being a way to give value to oneself). Otherwise, problems such as mental disorders or problems adapting to the environment may arise.
Why do we act? basic needs
Glasser’s theory indicates that human beings have a series of needs that must be met. Specifically, choice theory proposes the existence of five.
Firstly, those of basic survival: eating and sleeping, both regulated by internal mechanisms. Another of the most important needs is belonging, in which we need emotional bonding with our peers, loved ones and those close to our environment. The third need would be that of power or competence, thanks to which we feel fulfilled by meeting our objectives and reinforces our self-esteem and sense of competence.
Freedom and the ability to choose It is, in addition to being a fundamental part of the theory of choice, another of the basic needs of human beings. The last, although also very important, is the need to enjoy, to enjoy our actions.
These needs cannot be met by themselves: it is necessary that we take action in order to satisfy them. This leads us to be able to affirm that the ultimate cause that drives us to act is endogenous: the will to give them satisfaction. And with that, we choose what behaviors we carry out and how we do them And even, how the events that lead us or distance us from them affect us: perception, cognition and emotion are internal elements in which we have a certain capacity for control.
William Gassler proposes that the existence of seven habits with destructive effects and that prevent the correct development and well-being of the people around us and even ourselves. These habits represent an attempt to restrict freedom of choice or to evade responsibility for it. These habits are blaming, threatening, complaining, criticizing, punishing, nagging and bribing.
On the other hand, in the same way he considers that There are another series of habits that promote good development, a good relationship and that respect the right to choose and take responsibility for one’s own actions. In this case, the habits that the theory considers constructive are listening, trusting, encouraging, accepting, respecting, negotiating and supporting others.
Applications of William Glasser’s theory
William Glasser’s choice theory has applications in different areas highlighting clinical practice and education among them.
Mental problems within the theory
Choice theory considers that most of the problems that They arise at a psychological level and have their origin in poor personal interaction being necessary to improve the link of the individual with the environment and his peers to begin to cause recovery.
As we have said before, we must also work on the correct perception of reality and responsibility for our own actions and reactions to the environment. Reality therapy is used for this
Another aspect to highlight is that when treating any problem it is necessary to focus on the present, which is the moment in which the patient is capable of acting and causing changes. The symptoms themselves are not that relevant since these are seen as a maladaptive way of dealing with poor relationships. Thoughts and behaviors can be modified directly, while other aspects can be modified through them.
In order to help patients, the therapist works on aspects such as interaction with others, identifying and evaluating current behaviors that may be maladaptive, jointly planning more adaptive ways of acting and committing to carry them out without accepting excuses or imposing sanctions.
The theory of choice in the world of education
Another area in which William Glasser’s theory of choice can be applied is education. In this area it is necessary to take into account that learning will follow the same patterns as behavior being something internal and not external.
Thus, the figure of the teacher or professor is that of a guide (with a vision similar to that of constructivism), who helps students generate their own learning. Meaningful learning is encouraged and rote learning is criticized. The student must be able to find the usefulness of what has been learned, or else you will end up forgetting it. Thus, the tasks must arouse interest, and address that the subject gradually acquires greater autonomy and capacity for choice.
Glasser, W. (2004). Introduction to the Psychology of External Control and Choice Theory. Choose, 2, 7-8.
