Examining How Motivational Interviewing May Foster College Student Development

Abstract

Professional counselors practicing in higher education settings aspire to meet the developmental needs of college students in addition to addressing their mental health and substance use concerns. Motivational interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based counseling approach that focuses on enhancing motivation and commitment to change. This article describes how professional counselors working in higher education settings might apply MI to foster college student development while helping students make positive behavior changes.

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional and Online Counselor Training Program Delivery and Instruction

“…Specifically, college counselors might consider the utility of integrating brief interventions and skills training components into gatekeeper training workshops. Motivational interviewing, for example, is an evidence-based, brief approach to counseling that includes both personcentered and directive underpinnings with utility for increasing clients' intrinsic motivation to make positive changes in their lives (Iarussi, 2013;Resnicow & McMaster, 2012). Professional counselors who practice in higher education are already using motivational interviewing to promote college student development and mental health (Iarussi, 2013).…”

“…Motivational interviewing, for example, is an evidence-based, brief approach to counseling that includes both personcentered and directive underpinnings with utility for increasing clients' intrinsic motivation to make positive changes in their lives (Iarussi, 2013;Resnicow & McMaster, 2012). Professional counselors who practice in higher education are already using motivational interviewing to promote college student development and mental health (Iarussi, 2013). Although future research is needed, integrating motivational interviewing principles (e.g., expressing empathy, rolling with resistance, developing discrepancies, and supporting self-efficacy; Iarussi, 2013) into gatekeeper training workshops might increase faculty members' commitment to supporting college student mental health.…”

“…Professional counselors who practice in higher education are already using motivational interviewing to promote college student development and mental health (Iarussi, 2013). Although future research is needed, integrating motivational interviewing principles (e.g., expressing empathy, rolling with resistance, developing discrepancies, and supporting self-efficacy; Iarussi, 2013) into gatekeeper training workshops might increase faculty members' commitment to supporting college student mental health.…”

Motivational Interviewing as Substance Treatment for College Students

“…6,7,14,17 Motivational interviewing (MI) is one such approach, which developed specifically for treating substance abuse cases.…”

Learning to change: the rationale for the use of motivational interviewing in higher education

“…This study shows that MI was more successful at promoting student engagement. other research suggests the potential for a positive impact on HE students in a counselling setting (Iarussi, 2013). There is a body of research exploring the ways in which health care students are taught to use MI in their professional contexts (c.f.…”