Advancing Student Flourishing: The Role of MI-Based Well-Being Coaching on a Health Promoting Campus

Abstract

University counseling centers (UCCs) face increasing demands for mental health services, underscoring the need for innovative, campus-wide strategies that proactively promote student well-being. This study evaluated the feasibility, outcomes, and acceptability of a Motivational Interviewing (MI)-based Well-Being Coaching program designed to enhance positive attitudes toward change and flourishing among university students. Using a within-subjects, convergent mixed-methods design, participants (N = 43) engaged in one-on-one MI-based coaching meetings during the 2023 to 2024 pilot program. Students completed measures of attitudes toward change, overall flourishing, and six flourishing domains (happiness/life satisfaction, physical/mental health, purpose/meaning, character/virtue, close social relationships, and material/financial stability) at baseline and follow-up. Results showed significant improvements in self-efficacy, overall flourishing, and four of six flourishing domains. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses revealed perceived benefits including a strong coaching alliance, practical goal setting and planning, increased self-awareness and reflection, and support for holistic well-being. Participants emphasized the program’s strengths-based approach and its unique role in bridging gaps between academic advising, student support, and counseling services. Findings provide preliminary evidence that MI-based well-being coaching is a culturally responsive strategy for promoting student well-being and complementing UCC prevention, outreach, and clinical services.

Keywords

flourishing Motivational Interviewing well-being coaching university students health-promoting campuses

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