Choice Theory is based on the idea that all behavior is purposeful and motivated by the desire to satisfy five basic inborn needs: survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun. The theory proposes that people develop a "Quality World" of wants and needs that motivates their behavior. It also asserts that external control destroys relationships, so building relationships is key to motivating behavior change and performance. While Choice Theory aims to explain human motivation and behavior, some criticisms argue it may understate psychological challenges and lacks evidence from clinical trials.
2. The Ten Axioms of Choice Theory
1. The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.
2. All we can give another person is information.
3. All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.
4. The problem relationship is always part of our present life.
5. What happened in the past has everything to do with what we are today, but we can only satisfy our
basic needs right now and plan to continue satisfying them in the future.
6. We can only satisfy our needs by satisfying the pictures in our Quality World.
7. All we do is behave.
8. All behavior is Total Behavior and is made up of four components: acting, thinking, feeling and
physiology.
9. All Total Behavior is chosen, but we only have direct control over the acting and thinking
components. We can only control our feeling and physiology indirectly through how we choose to act
and think.
10. All Total Behavior is designated by verbs and named by the part that is the most recognizable.
3. Basic Idea of Choice theory
Choice theory is based on the assumption that all behavior represents the
individual’s constant attempt to satisfy one or more of the five basic inborn needs.
The five basic needs are as follows
A. The need to survive
B. The need to belong
C. The need to gain power
D. The need to be free
E. The need to have fun
4. “External control” doesn’t
work because it “destroys
relationships”
Therefore, in order to improve student performance, we
should not coerce or force, we should build relationships to
motivate the production of quality work.
5. Criticisms of Choice Theory
May understate role of psychological
challenges.
“…relies on a core group of
antiestablishment authors.”
“[lack] of randomized clinical trials
demonstrating the success of his
teachings.”
Ignores group psychology
Are children’s brains developed
enough to have real choice?
References:
White, C. (2005). Warning: Psychiatry Can Be Hazardous to Your
Mental Health. Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical
Psychiatry, 7(2), 76.
6. Choice Theory 5 Key Concepts
● Basic Needs
-All behavior is purposeful, motivated by our incessant desire to satisfy the basic needs
woven into our genes
● The Quality World
-Each of us develops a unique Quality World, the source of all motivation.
7. Choice Theory 5 Key Concepts
● Reality and Perception
-Even though we all live in the Real World, Choice Theory contends that what matters is our
perception of reality
● Comparing Place
-Our brain continually compares two images:
1. our perception of reality
2. our Quality World picture of what we want at that moment
8. Choice Theory 5 Key Concepts
● Total Theory
-All behavior has four components:
1. acting
2. thinking
3. feeling
4. physiology
When we change any one component of behavior, the other components change as well.