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ZS1jYXB0aW9uLWZpdC10by1pbWFnZXtkaXNwbGF5OnRhYmxlfS50Yi1pbWFnZSAudGItaW1hZ2UtY2FwdGlvbi1maXQtdG8taW1hZ2UgLnRiLWltYWdlLWNhcHRpb257ZGlzcGxheTp0YWJsZS1jYXB0aW9uO2NhcHRpb24tc2lkZTpib3R0b219IH0g
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Choice Theory in Crisis: Iranian Resilience
During the 12-day war, individuals in Iran applied Choice Theory principles to navigate intense stress and maintain psychological well-being, demonstrating remarkable resilience. The core insight that guided their actions was the understanding that while external events like war are beyond personal control, one can always choose their internal responses, thoughts, and actions.
Key ways Choice Theory was applied include:
- Steering the “Total Behaviour Car”: Many respondents focused on directly
controlling the “front wheels”—their thoughts and actions—to positively influence
their “rear wheels”(feelings and physiology), which often felt overwhelmed by fear,
anxiety, and physical symptoms.
- Prioritising Needs and Quality World: Individuals consciously sought to fulfil
their basic psychological needs for love & belonging, power, freedom, fun, and
especially survival. They adjusted their “Quality World” beliefs to align with the
reality of the crisis, focusing on what was controllable.
- Limiting Exposure to Negative Stimuli: A common strategy was to reduce or
entirely cut off news consumption and social media due to its anxiety-inducing
and often contradictory nature. This helped them focus on the present moment and
manage their “Perceived World”.
- Maintaining Routine and Structure: Many found stability and calm by
preserving their daily routines as much as possible, even if scaled back,
including exercise, reading, and work.
- Fostering Connections and Empathy: There was a strong emphasis on
deepening relationships with family and friends, offering support, listening
empathetically, and making collective decisions to foster calm and ownership within
the group.
- Active Emotional Management: Instead of suppressing difficult emotions like
fear, grief, or anger, individuals worked to acknowledge, observe, and redirect
them through conscious thoughts and actions, often by engaging in calming
activities like yoga, meditation, creative pursuits, or play.
- Accepting the Uncontrollable: A crucial aspect was the acceptance of realities
that could not be changed, which freed up mental space and energy for effective
action in controllable areas.
Ultimately, applying Choice Theory allowed many to regain a sense of agency and
inner peace amidst chaos, preventing psychological collapse and empowering them to not only help themselves but also support those around them.
This article originally appeared in the WGI newsletter “What‘s BUZZING!” Edition 18 — July 2025
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