Conceptualizing happiness using Choice Theory

2012 IJRSP – Volume 1 Issue 3

Author/s:

Mateo, Nino Jose C.
Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines (nino.mateo@dlsu.edu.ph)

Datu, Jesus Alfonso D.*
Counseling and Educational Psychology Department, De La Salle University, Manila, Philippines (jess.datu@yahoo.com)

Abstract:

This study looks at the basic needs that are predictive of happiness based on the choice theory approach to counseling and psychotherapy (Glasser, 1998). Two hundred college students (n=200) from a private university in Metro Manila answered the Choice Theory Rating Scale and Subjective Happiness Scale. It utilized descriptive-predictive research design in identifying basic needs that lead the respondents to a positive and joyous state. Results revealed that the needs for love and belongingness (r=-.29, p<.01), and need for fun and enjoyment (r=-.19<.05) were found to be significantly associated to happiness. Basic needs account for 10.7% of the variance in happiness while the need for love and belongingness (β=.23, p<.05) is the lone variable which significantly predicted inclination of the respondents to experience subjective well-being. Implications of the findings to the respondents and counseling services were discussed.

Keywords: adolescents; basic needs; Choice theory; happiness; quality world

PDF

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsp.2012.263

*Corresponding Author