The Effectiveness of Choice Theory Education on Happiness and Self-Esteem in University Students

Objective: The present study examined the effect of choice theory education on the happiness and self-esteem in university students. Methods: The statistical population consisted of all students of Qom universities. The study sample consisted of 30 students (7 males and 8 females per group) with low self-esteem (0 out of 10) and happiness (14 out of 87) levels. The subjects were randomly selected and assigned to the experimental and control groups by convenience sampling technique. To conduct the pretest and posttest, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale were used. The test group members attended the choice theory education program weekly for 5 consecutive weeks, whereas the control group received no treatment. Results: After implementing the posttest, the collected data were analyzed using the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS. The findings indicated that treatment program effectively increased the test group members’ happiness (F=213.53, P<0.0005) and self-esteem (F=0.52, P<0.0005). Conclusion: The principles of choice theory can be implemented among graduate students to promote their happiness and self-esteem; in turn, it may lead to educational and social achievements.