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Abstract
This paper provides an application of William Glasser's (1998) choice theory and Randy Pausch's (2007) "lessons learned" to the current worldwide health pandemic, COVID-19. Furthermore, reflective questions are included to support mental health workers as they engage with people impacted by COVID-19.
Keywords: choice theory, basic needs, COVID-19, Last Lecture
As COVID-19 continues to barrel around the world, it leaves citizens and societies juggling a myriad of challenges. Nations closed and enforced "stay at home" orders. Parents lost jobs, yet still try to provide for their families. Companies transformed from brick-andmortar to the cyber world. Small businesses are either closed or struggling to maintain some type of product to pay the bills. Stock markets have crashed. Now states and nations are attempting to re-open after this unprecedented era in history. Unfortunately, COVID-19 continues to threaten the sustainability of re-opening societies around the globe.
As the world reflects on the impacts of the pandemic, people are figuring out how to create a "new normal." Nothing is the same, nor will it likely be the same even after "stay at home" orders subside. As the world watches and wonders what the long-term impacts will be, William Glasser's (1998) Choice Theory and Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture can provide guiding beacons of light. While Glasser's choice theory was initially introduced over three decades ago and Pausch's lecture was broadcasted over a decade ago, the interconnection of theory and "lessons learned" are even more radiant during this worldwide crisis. Glasser's (1998) Choice Theory claims that people have five basic needs: fun, power, freedom, survival, and love and belonging. Choice theory provides the foundation to support people's desires to gain control over their lives. This theory intertwines well with Randy Pausch's "lessons learned" can guide individuals on their journey to re-gaining that control during these challenging times. As Pausch stated in his last lecture, "We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand" (Pausch, 2007). This paper provides an application of choice theory and "lessons learned" to the current worldwide health crisis while also providing reflective questions to support mental health workers as they engage with people impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2, otherwise referred to as COVID-19 or the 2019 novel coronavirus, is...