The term choice theory is the work of William Glasser, MD, whose work has a
culminated some 50 years of theory and practice in psychology and counseling.
Choice Theory suggests that behavior is
central to our existence and is driven by five
genetically driven needs, similar to those of
Abraham Maslow:
• Survival (food, clothing, shelter, breathing, personal safety and others)
and four fundamental psychological needs:
• Belonging/connecting/love
• Power/significance
• Freedom/responsibility, and
• Fun/learning
Behavior ("Total Behavior" in Glasser's terms) is made up of these four components: acting, thinking, feeling and physiology. Glasser suggests that we have considerable control or choice over the first two of these, and little
ability to directly choose the latter two. As these four components are closely intertwined, the choices we make in our thinking and acting greatly affect our feeling and physiology.
