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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to determine long-term outcomes of learning that occurred in a reality therapy course and the specific ways that past participants incorporated choice theory (CT) and reality therapy (RT) concepts into their personal and professional health fields. A web-based survey was completed by seven cohorts of past students (N=91) between 2006 and 2012 with a response rate of 29% (n=27), and 13 of the 27 professionals were interviewed to gather more information. One hundred percent of respondents used at least some of the concepts personally and professionally. The components most relevant for more than 75% of the respondents in their personal lives were goal-setting (85.2%); thinking differently to make better choices (81.5%); emphasizing positive behaviors (77.8%); considering how basic needs were met (77.8%); and clarifying what was wanted and what was attainable (77.8%). The components most relevant professionally for 74.1% of respondents in their professional lives were developing action plans; creating involvement with their clients (66.7%); emphasizing positive behaviors (66.7%); using Quality World concepts, clarifying wants; and, helping the client self-evaluate both (63%). Thirty-three percent of respondents indicated they used the concepts daily in their work and 25.9% used the concepts weekly. Five major themes from the qualitative data included the relationship between choice theory and the reality therapy process and the integration of RT with other approaches to practice; the importance of relationship building and supporting clients; the value of RT for clients and for professional fulfillment; barriers and tensions to using RT identified by practitioners; and areas and techniques for using the RT process. Results and recommendations for future research and teaching were discussed.
Background of the Study:
A call for evidenced-based research on choice theory and reality therapy has been a focus of The William Glasser Institute for many years (Litwack, 2007, 2008, Parish, 2010, 2012, Wubbolding, 2012, and Olver, 2013). Dr. Glasser's vision statement (2010) included a request that his work be independently researched and documented to validate the effectiveness of reality therapy and choice theory. In describing the 2013 goals for the WGI-USA, Kim Olver, Executive Director (2013), indicated that one of the goals of the Institute is having reality therapy listed as an Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP). Choice theory has been taught...