choice theory

The present study compared the effectiveness of group counseling based on choice theory on homesickness and emotion of thought. Research design was quasi-experimental administering a pretest-posttest on an experimental and a control group. The population of this study included all students (female and male) referred to counseling center of Sari Payame Noor University in the academic year 2016-2017. The sample consisted of 30 participants who were randomly divided into two groups (one experimental group and one control group) (15 students in each group). Then, homesickness questionnaire and emotion of thought questionnaire were administered to both groups. For two months, the experimental group received 8 sessions of 90 minutes of group counseling based on choice theory; however, the control group did not receive any training during this period. Pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using covariance analysis. The results showed that experimental interventions (group counseling based on choice theory) reduced homesickness score, decreased impatience of thought and increased dynamics of thought in students (p<0.01). It can be concluded that group counseling of choice theory was effective in improvement of emotion of thought and decreasing homesickness.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of group compassion training and group choice theory training on mindfulness and needs satisfaction in couples at risk of divorce in Rasht. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and control group, including a follow-up phase. The statistical population consisted of couples at risk of divorce who referred to counseling centers approved by the Welfare Organization of Rasht in 2023. A total of 60 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental groups (compassion training and choice theory training) and one control group (20 participants in each group). The research utilized the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale as the main instruments. Both interventions were conducted in eight 90-minute sessions. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS 26. Findings: The results revealed significant differences in the effectiveness of group compassion training and group choice theory training (p < .01). Group compassion training was found to be more effective than choice theory training in improving mindfulness and needs satisfaction. Both training types significantly impacted mindfulness and needs satisfaction in couples at risk of divorce (p < .01). Conclusion: Both group compassion training and group choice theory training were effective in improving mindfulness and needs satisfaction among couples at risk of divorce, with compassion training showing greater effectiveness. These findings suggest that compassion training may provide a more suitable approach for enhancing psychological well-being in couples facing marital challenges.

Objective : Athlete burnout remains a significant concern in competitive sports, with growing evidence highlighting its detrimental effects on performance and mental health. This study examined the efficacy of a Choice Theory-based intervention in reducing burnout symptoms by enhancing autonomy and psychological need satisfaction among elite athletes. Method: Using a longitudinal, randomized controlled design, 156 elite athletes (aged 18–32) from endurance, team, and skill-based sports were allocated to either an 8-week Choice Theory intervention group or a control group receiving standard mental skills training. The intervention incorporated weekly workshops on need identification, cognitive restructuring ("choose to" vs. "have to" thinking), and autonomy-supportive goal setting, alongside coach training in autonomy-supportive communication. Burnout was assessed using the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), while psychological needs were measured via the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BPNSSS). Physiological markers (salivary cortisol, heart rate variability) provided objective stress indicators. Results : Results demonstrated significant reductions in emotional exhaustion (p < 0.01, d = 0.72) and sport devaluation (p < 0.05, d = 0.54) in the intervention group compared to controls at 12-month follow-up. Mediation analysis revealed that increased autonomy (β = -0.38, p < 0.001) and competence (β = -0.29, p < 0.01) fully mediated burnout reduction. Physiological data corroborated these findings, with improved HRV recovery (p < 0.05) and lower cortisol levels (p < 0.01) in the intervention group. Conclusions : These findings support Choice Theory as an effective framework for athlete burnout prevention, emphasizing the critical role of autonomy-supportive environments in sustaining long-term athlete well-being. The study advances current practice by demonstrating that structural changes in coaching approaches—particularly empowering athletes with meaningful choices—can significantly mitigate burnout risk. Future research should explore the generalizability of these effects across diverse athletic populations and cultural contexts.