Mental Freedom: The Traveler's Map to Wellbeing
Type of Presentation
Paper
Location
D34115
Start Date
4-10-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 10:15 AM
Abstract
Experiences of powerlessness and perceived lack of control are strongly associated with depressive symptoms. When individuals believe they are dependent on external forces, overall wellbeing can decline. Upon perceiving this source of suffering in his clients, psychiatrist William Glasser designed Reality Therapy (RT). This theory posits that all behavior, no matter how negative, is done to meet a need. A proponent of RT, life coach Kim Olver built off this and created the Mental Freedom (MF) program.
Designed to be conducted over six weeks, each session addresses a key area of the MF framework. That is: 1) distinguishing responsibility vs. response-ability, 2) understanding that all behavior is purposeful, 3) reframing disempowering self-talk, 4) applying cognitive reframes to reduce suffering, 5) recognizing pain as a tool for growth, and 6) cultivating appreciation for life's gifts, lessons, opportunities, and wisdom. Procedure: To evaluate the program's effectiveness, the researchers assessed participants' (n=52) wellbeing before and after attending. For the assessment, participants completed the 14-item version of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Wellbeing before and after the six-week program. A series of repeated-measures ANOVAs examined whether there were significant differences in participants' ratings before and after the program's completion.
Results: Overall, the program enhanced wellbeing by promoting autonomy, providing heuristics for coping with environmental challenges, and nurturing a positive self-concept. Conclusion/Implications: The findings showed it to be a promising approach for increasing feelings of empowerment, competence, and self-acceptance. Further study on whether it improves cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation is recommended.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Figen Karadogan
Mental Freedom: The Traveler's Map to Wellbeing
D34115
Experiences of powerlessness and perceived lack of control are strongly associated with depressive symptoms. When individuals believe they are dependent on external forces, overall wellbeing can decline. Upon perceiving this source of suffering in his clients, psychiatrist William Glasser designed Reality Therapy (RT). This theory posits that all behavior, no matter how negative, is done to meet a need. A proponent of RT, life coach Kim Olver built off this and created the Mental Freedom (MF) program.
Designed to be conducted over six weeks, each session addresses a key area of the MF framework. That is: 1) distinguishing responsibility vs. response-ability, 2) understanding that all behavior is purposeful, 3) reframing disempowering self-talk, 4) applying cognitive reframes to reduce suffering, 5) recognizing pain as a tool for growth, and 6) cultivating appreciation for life's gifts, lessons, opportunities, and wisdom. Procedure: To evaluate the program's effectiveness, the researchers assessed participants' (n=52) wellbeing before and after attending. For the assessment, participants completed the 14-item version of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Wellbeing before and after the six-week program. A series of repeated-measures ANOVAs examined whether there were significant differences in participants' ratings before and after the program's completion.
Results: Overall, the program enhanced wellbeing by promoting autonomy, providing heuristics for coping with environmental challenges, and nurturing a positive self-concept. Conclusion/Implications: The findings showed it to be a promising approach for increasing feelings of empowerment, competence, and self-acceptance. Further study on whether it improves cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation is recommended.