MHNS5004 Assessment 3 – Motivational Interviewing Report

MHNS5004 Assessment 3 – Motivational Interviewing Report

Title
Motivational Interviewing Report
Type
Report/Essay
Due Date
Week 6 – 11.59pm on Friday October 10, 2025
Length
2,000 words (plus 500 to allow for in-text citations, reference list, tables, figures etc. / maximum all-inclusive total 2,500 words)
Weighting
45%
Academic Integrity
Written assignments are to be composed by the student and the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, to compose assignments is forbidden. Students are encouraged to access and read primary sources rather than using GenAI tools to summarise or synthesise information.
Submission
Microsoft Word document submitted to Turnitin. Please review the guidelines on word counts and check your total count on Turnitin before the submission.
Unit Learning Outcomes
This assessment task maps to the following ULOs:
ULO3: Formulate effective individual and systemic responses to facilitate behaviour change founded on theory, empirical research and recovery principles.
ULO4: Apply motivational interviewing knowledge and strategies to facilitate co-constructed consumer behaviour change.
Rationale
This assessment task provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge of the spirit and principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and to critically evaluate competency in applying MI to support behaviour change. By engaging with a simulated clinical interaction, you will deepen your understanding of how MI strategies are operationalised in practice and reflect on both strengths and areas for improvement. In addition, this task encourages the development of essential academic and professional skills, including critical analysis, research-informed reasoning, and effective written communication. The written report format supports the articulation of complex ideas, integration of theory and practice, and construction of evidence-based arguments. These skills are not only central to academic success but also directly relevant to professional practice, where practitioners must evaluate interventions, communicate their findings, and engage in reflective learning to enhance the quality of mental health care.

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Background
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, client-centred approach designed to help individuals resolve ambivalence and build motivation for change. With its focus on empathy, collaboration, and respect for autonomy, MI has been shown to be effective across a range of mental health challenges, including addiction, depression, and anxiety, making it a valuable and versatile tool in contemporary mental health care. Practising MI skills – such as reflective listening, affirmations, and open-ended questioning – enables students to develop skills in facilitating meaningful, lasting behaviour change within a supportive and non-judgemental framework. This assignment provides an opportunity to critically reflect on the principles and practical application of MI, considering both observed techniques and missed opportunities for engagement. At the same time, it reinforces scholarly skills by requiring you to integrate theoretical insights with empirical evidence, evaluate practice critically, and communicate your reflections in a clear, academically rigorous manner. Through this dual focus on clinical and academic competencies, the assessment supports both professional readiness and lifelong learning.

Task Description and Instructions
Step 1. Review the following video of a simulated Motivational Interview (MI):

Step 2. Take detailed notes on what features of MI are employed and what opportunities the interviewer may have missed to apply MI strategies. Consider how the interviewer demonstrates (or does not demonstrate) the spirit of Motivational Interviewing, including empathy, collaboration, and respect for autonomy.
Step 3. Write a reflective and theory/literature informed report on the clinical interview process. In your report, you should:
• Critically evaluate what the interviewer has done well.
• Identify areas of Motivational Interviewing that the interviewer still needs to strengthen.
• Reflect on how the simulated client responded to the MI approach, including any observable changes in engagement, ambivalence, or motivation.
• Consider what could have been done differently to promote behaviour change more effectively in this context.

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Your report should integrate theoretical and empirical evidence on MI principles and strategies. It should also demonstrate clear and coherent academic writing, appropriate use of referencing, and critical engagement with the literature to support your reflection and evaluation.
Resources
Course readings and resources on motivational interviewing and behaviour change theory, alongside independent scholarly research.
Submission Format
This assessment should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document through the Assessment 3 submission link on Blackboard.

Note: Prior to final submission, students are encouraged to upload drafts to the Turnitin similarity check portal. Use this process to refine your paraphrasing and correct any matched text before submitting your final assignment. You may upload multiple drafts to the similarity check portal.
• Important: The similarity check portal is not the final submission point. Please ensure you submit your completed assignment to the official Assessment 3 submission portal on Blackboard.
• Please ensure your total document word count does not exceed 2,500 words. This includes all content: headings, in-text citations, reference list, and any tables or diagrams. A cover sheet is not required, but a clear title is always needed. If the word count is exceeded, the assignment will not be graded.

Introduction

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centred approach that supports individuals in resolving ambivalence and strengthening their motivation for change. Originally developed for use in addiction treatment, MI has since been applied across a wide range of mental health contexts, where it helps practitioners promote behaviour change while respecting client autonomy. The purpose of this report is to critically evaluate a simulated Motivational Interview, with particular attention to the strategies applied, the principles demonstrated, and the opportunities for improvement. In doing so, the report will integrate theoretical and empirical perspectives on MI to assess the effectiveness of the interviewer’s approach and reflect on the client’s responses. This analysis will highlight both the strengths and limitations of the interaction, while also considering how MI techniques could be enhanced to more effectively promote behaviour change.

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