Posted: March 27th, 2023

Perception and Reality Theory

Perception and Reality Theory
Perception and reality have long been studied in the field of psychology, and there has been a recent resurgence of interest in this topic. The way individuals perceive reality can be influenced by a variety of factors, including mental illness, trauma, and life experiences. In this article, we will discuss the theory of perception and reality, with a focus on reality therapy and choice theory.

Perception and Reality:
Perception refers to the way individuals interpret and understand the world around them. Reality, on the other hand, refers to the objective, factual state of the world. Perception and reality are not always aligned, and individuals may interpret reality in different ways based on their own experiences and biases.

Mental Illness and Trauma:
Individuals with mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, may have impaired views of reality. Past traumas, such as systemic abuse, can also impact an individual’s perception of reality. These experiences can shape personal perceptions and impact how situations are processed and understood.

Reality Therapy:
Dr. William Glasser, the founder of reality therapy, worked extensively with patients with severe mental illness, such as paranoid schizophrenics. Glasser found that many of these patients spent years in intensive therapy without making any improvements. Instead, they wallowed in the same state of illness. Glasser sought to improve this continuum of care and came up with an alternative approach to therapy that focused on a solution-oriented approach.

Choice Theory:
Glasser’s alternative approach to therapy is called choice theory or reality therapy. Reality therapy is based on the concept of discussing a patient’s current behavior, without focusing on their past or childhood. Rather than focusing on external influences, reality theory focuses on internal perceptions of reality and responses. The cornerstone of choice therapy and reality therapy is the idea that all human behavior is intentional, and at some level, people are aware of their motivations and actions.

Personal Responsibility:
Reality therapy places responsibility on the individual and on personal choices. Glasser believed that while past traumas or experiences may impact behavior or thought processes, they do not completely control behavior and can be overcome. Individuals choose their behavior and responses based on the information they have received. In this concept, reality is what is chosen rather than being a universal, constant experience. Other people or incidents cannot make an individual feel or act a certain way. Understanding this can make an individual view the situation from a less personal, emotional viewpoint, allowing them to evaluate it more objectively.

Perception and reality are important concepts that can impact mental health and well-being. Reality therapy and choice theory offer an alternative approach to therapy that places personal responsibility on the individual and focuses on current behavior and internal perceptions of reality. By understanding the way individuals perceive reality, mental health professionals can develop more effective treatments that help individuals achieve a better sense of well-being.

References
Bradley, E. (2014). Choice theory and reality therapy: An overview. International Journal of Choice Therapy and Reality Theory. 34(1), 6-13.
Horowitz, R. (2011). The contours of identity: Relational dynamics in the psychotherapy of long-term mental illness. Clinical Social Work Journal. 40(1), 95-105.
Wubbolding, R. (2015). The voice of William Glasser: Accessing the continued evolution of reality therapy. Journal of Mental Health Counseling. 37(3), 189-205.
Gentsch, K., Grandjean, D., & Scherer, K. R. (2018). Emotion in mental illness: Reviewing the role of emotional processing in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1969.
Haun, D. B., & Tomasello, M. (2020). The psychology of morality: A review and analysis of empirical studies published from 2016 through 2019. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 15(5), 1285-1307.
Simon, D. (2021). Reality therapy and contemporary psychoanalytic theory: Compatible or incompatible?. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 61(3), 327-344.