The use of student-focused school-based motivational interviewing: a systematic literature review

This systematic literature review synthesises the most recent research evidence regarding the use of student focused, school-based motivational interviewing (SBMI) in educational settings. The review included papers indexed within PsycInfo, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC) and the British Education Index (BEI) and published between 2016 and 2022, updating a previous review of SBMI studies. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, and following weight of evidence ratings, 11 were classified as ‘best evidence’ and included in the final synthesis. All included studies demonstrated some form of positive evidence of MI use although four studies yielded mixed findings. Two of the studies looked at the feasibility and acceptability of SBMI only. The review shows consistent outcomes for SBMI interventions targeting academic achievement, social emotional and mental health (SEMH) and career development. MI tasks were the most common component used within SBMI. Since the previous review in 2016, there is evidence that SBMI is being used to support students with a wider range of needs, and applications with culturally and ethnically diverse groups appear to be growing. Limitations and possible future research opportunities are discussed.