Regulating interaction behaviour, overcoming habits and pursuing authenticity - Experienced challenges of practicing motivational interaction

Objectives: In physical activity (PA) promotion, motivational interaction by professionals results in high-quality motivation and sustained health behaviours in their target groups. However, less is known about how professionals can take up and sustain motivational interaction in their practice. This study set out to investigate challenges in practicing motivational interaction after a training course.Design: After a training course that aimed to teach preservice PE teachers the basic ideas and practical techniques of motivational interaction, 19 participants were interviewed individually.Methods: Inductive content analysis was employed to investigate semistructured interviews (n = 19) of participants after the course. The analysis process of the descriptions of practicing motivational interaction style included open coding, creating categories, and abstraction.Results: We developed three categories linked to practicing motivational interaction style and its challenges: (1) own style of interaction; strengths and old habits functioned as a basis for practicing, (2) regulation of one's own behavior involved freedom to choose and plan how to practice but also bearing responsibility for it, and (3) pursuing authentic interaction related to search for natural ways to use motivational interaction with others. These categories covered a variety of challenges e.g., cognitive burden of making choices/decisions, forgetfulness, breaking old habits, and experiences of role conflict. Conclusions: The results contribute to understanding experiences and potential challenges of practicing motivational interaction in PA promotion. We provide suggestions on how future trainings can address experienced challenges (e.g. by using self-regulation strategies and habit-forming/breaking skills).