Motivational Interviewing to Support the Goals of College Students

Abstract

This practice report describes a higher education practice to support the aspiration of students while supporting their well-being. The use of Motivational Interviewing (MI), an evidence-based conversational style, in faculty-student conversations can meet the psychological needs of students in consideration of their self-determination. This approach is gaining interest in higher education practice and emerging within published literature. This report suggests goal attainment is a worthy outcome that aligns with MI, and provides a report of a small-scale pilot study. The advancement of school-based MI practices for college student development is encouraged. Implications, helpful and formative literature, and future research opportunities are provided.

Keywords

• school-based motivational interviewing
• self-determination theory
• goal attainment
• pilot study