William Glasser's Theory of Choice

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 are of great importance in our lives and can partly direct our behavior) but, nevertheless, ultimately we are the ones who will either make the final decision to act or No. we choose.

From psychology, this fact has been studied from different perspectives and has generated various theories. Among them, William Glasser's theory of choice..

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Glasser's theory of choice

William Glasser's theory of choice proposes that human beings are capable of self-control. In fact, the 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 based on our choices. Thus, the theory of choice assumes that we are able to control our thoughts and actions, and even influence our emotions and physiology.

Glasser's contribution, in turn, assumes that blaming others or randomly is a way to avoid our responsibility, to avoid accepting that we have decided to act or not to do it 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 governed by both personal and social needs, being the pursuit of ethics a way of giving value to oneself). Otherwise, problems such as mental disorders or problems adapting to the environment may arise.

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Why do we act? basic needs

Glasser's theory indicates that the human being has a series of needs that he must supply. Specifically, the theory of choice proposes the existence of five.

In the first place those of basic survival: feeding and sleeping, both regulated by internal mechanisms. Another of the most important needs is belonging., in which we need affective bonding with our peers, loved ones and close ones with our environment. The third of the needs would be power or competence, thanks to which we feel fulfilled when we meet our objectives and reinforces our self-esteem and sense of competence.

Freedom and ability to choose It is, in addition to being a fundamental part of the theory of choice, another of the basic needs of the human being. The last one, although also very important, is the need to enjoy, to enjoy our actions.

For these needs are not supplied by themselves: it is necessary that we take action in order to achieve satisfaction. This leads us to be able to affirm that the ultimate cause that drives us to act is endogenous: the will to satisfy them. And with it, we choose what behaviors we carry out and how we do it. And even, how the events that lead us to or away from them affect us: perception, cognition and emotion are internal elements in which we have a certain ability to control.

the seven habits

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 of 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, scolding, and bribing.

On the other hand, he in the same way considers that there are another series of habits that promote good development, a good relationship and that they respect the right to choose and take responsibility for their 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 theory of choice has applications in different fields, highlighting among them clinical practice and education.

Mental problems within theory

The theory of choice considers that most of the problems that arise at the psychological level have their origin in deficient personal interaction, being necessary to improve the link of the individual with the environment and his peers to begin to cause a recovery.

As we have said before, one must also work on the correct perception of reality and responsibility with one's own actions and reactions to the environment. Reality therapy is used for this..

Another aspect to highlight is that when dealing with 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 directly modified, 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 plan more adaptive ways of acting and commit to carrying them out without accepting excuses or imposing sanctions.

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The theory of choice in the world of education

Another area in which William Glasser's theory of choice can be applied is in 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 to 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 should arouse interest, and be addressed to that the subject gradually acquires greater autonomy and choice.

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Bibliographic references:

• Shock, J.W. (2014). Approach to the Theory of Election. Scientia. Research magazine. 3 (1). Bolivian Adventist University.

• Glasser, W. (2004). Introduction to the Psychology of External Control and Choice Theory. Choose, 2, 7-8.