William Glasser MD

Key Contributions and Concepts 

Dr. William Glasser’s work on choice theory and reality therapy revolutionized how we understand human motivation, behavior, and relationships. By focusing on personal responsibility and internal control, Glasser offered practical frameworks for improving individual decision-making and interpersonal dynamics. The following sections explore his key concepts and their applications in therapy, education, and personal growth.

Choice Theory

Choice theory is a psychological model that includes five basic components – five basic needs: quality world, perceived world, total behavior, and 10 axioms. According to the Glasser Institute for Choice Theory, “Choice theory is based on the simple premise that every individual only has the power to control themselves and has limited power to control others.” Taking responsibility for one’s own life, and withdrawing from trying to control the decisions of others is a key benefit of applying choice theory [https://wglasser.com/what-is-choice-theory/].

Understanding the five basic components of choice theory provides insights into human motivation, decision-making, and behavior, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their choices and improve their relationships.

• The five basic needs:  choice theory proposes that all behavior is chosen and driven by five basic needs - survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. These needs are universal and innate, motivating our choices and actions as we strive to fulfill them. 
• The quality world: According to choice theory, people develop a "quality world," a personal mental picture of people, things, ideas, and experiences that represent what we most want or value. Glasser proposed that most of human unhappiness occurs when people compare their ideal to their experience of the real world. The quality world concept helps explain why people make certain choices and how they define satisfaction in their lives. According to Glasser, people align their decisions and are motivated by their continuous attempts to make their experienced world match their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and “pictures” of their quality world.
• Total behavior: choice theory emphasizes that all behavior is composed of four interconnected components: acting, thinking, feeling, and physiology. These components are constantly present and interact with one another, influencing our overall behavior. Glasser refers to this as "total behavior.”
• Perceived world: choice theory explains that we experience the real world through our perceptual system, which includes our total knowledge filter and valuing filter. This process influences how we interpret and respond to information from our environment.
• Ten axioms: choice theory includes ten axioms, which are fundamental principles that guide understanding of human behavior and relationships. Some key axioms include:
• The only person whose behavior we can control is our own.
• All we can give another person is information.
• All long-lasting psychological problems are relationship problems.

Understanding these components of choice theory provides insights into human motivation, decision-making, and behavior, empowering individuals to take responsibility for their choices and improve their relationships.

Reality Therapy

Reality therapy is a counseling method developed by Dr. William Glasser in 1965. Glasser developed choice theory as an evolution in his thinking as he taught and practiced reality therapy. Reality therapy is grounded in 3-R’s – realism, responsibility, and right and wrong. Together the 3-R’s provide a  framework for addressing psychological issues by focusing on present actions, personal responsibility, and ethical decision-making rather than past experiences or mental illness diagnosis. The goal of Glasser’s reality therapy was to create a more fulfilling life through learning to make better choices. 

• Realism – is about facing problems directly and acknowledging the reality of one's situation. This principle encourages clients to maintain a realistic perspective, recognize attainable goals, and make difficult decisions when necessary. It often requires clients to ground themselves in the reality of who they are, how the world works, and what they can do in the present moment to improve their lives and relationships.
• Responsibility – is about people being responsible for their own choices and behaviors. This concept teaches clients that they can only change their own actions, not those of others. It also involves understanding the consequences of one's choices and taking ownership of them. The goal is to help clients recognize their ability to make positive changes in their lives through their own decisions and actions.
• Right and Wrong – is about the client’s values, beliefs, and morals. This principle helps clients explore and understand their own sense of right and wrong, while also recognizing that others may have different perspectives. It encourages clients to evaluate their behaviors against moral standards that promote personal integrity. This aspect of reality therapy aims to guide clients in making choices that align with their values and contribute to their overall well-being.

Reality therapy helps clients take responsibility for their choices and develop more effective behaviors to meet their needs. It emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining meaningful relationships as a key to mental health and well-being. The therapist guides clients to evaluate their current choices and develop plans to make more effective decisions in the future.

Quality School Movement

The Quality School Movement is an educational program that applies choice theory principles in schools to create a more positive and effective learning environment. The Quality School approach emphasizes non-coercive methods, competency-based learning, and the development of strong, supportive relationships between teachers and students. Glasser thought that traditional grading systems could be discouraging to students so shifted focus from getting grades to helping students become competent in areas that they found interesting.