Motivational interviewing is designed to achieve which of the following goals?

Motivational interviewing is a patient-centered counseling style that aims to enhance an individual's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. The approach is fundamentally about encouraging patients to actively engage in the conversation about their motivations for changing their behaviors, particularly in the context of adhering to treatment plans and improving health outcomes.

By focusing on discussing motivations for change, patients are guided to articulate their own reasons for wanting to change, which increases their commitment to following through with those changes. This method respects the patient's autonomy and encourages them to take ownership of their health decisions, which is a key component of effective communication in healthcare settings.

In contrast, other options do not align with the principles of motivational interviewing. Emphasizing negative consequences may create resistance rather than motivation, and using closed-ended questions limits a patient’s opportunity to express their views and feelings. Providing a structured list of solutions may lead to a more directive approach, which is not in keeping with the collaborative and explorative nature of motivational interviewing.