CEFContemporary Education Frontiers3029-18793029-1860WHIOCE PUBLISHING PTE. LTD.10.18063/CEF.v4i4.1879ArticleEnhancing Achievement Motivation among Economically Disadvantaged University Students through SFBT-Informed Vocal Music Educationhttps://artdesignp.com/journal/CEF/4/4/10.18063/CEF.v4i4.1879XuMinghao2026442026-04-26Grounded in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), this study explores how vocal music education may support the enhancement of achievement motivation among economically disadvantaged university students. In the context of Chinese higher education, student financial aid has gradually shifted from material assistance alone toward development-oriented support. However, economically disadvantaged students may still experience what Chinese educational discourse often calls “psychological poverty,” referring to low self-efficacy, weakened self-identity, emotional inhibition, and limited motivation for self-development [1]. Taking the course “Vocal Music Appreciation and Training” under the “Zhuming Program” at South China Agricultural University as the practical context, this study constructs an integrated framework connecting SFBT, achievement motivation, and the therapeutic functions of music education. Based on classroom observation and teaching reflection, the study proposes a progressive intervention mechanism of “physiological regulation—emotional buffering—cognitive reconstruction—action construction—behavioral reinforcement.” SFBT techniques, including normalization, exception questions, scaling questions, relationship questions, miracle questions, and the EARS model, are translated into concrete pedagogical strategies within vocal training. Preliminary teaching observations suggest that this integrated approach may help students reduce anxiety, recognize existing resources, accumulate small successful experiences, and gradually strengthen their motivation to pursue success. The study contributes a classroom-based pathway for integrating mental health education with disciplinary teaching and for supporting economically disadvantaged students in becoming active agents of personal development.Solution-focused brief therapy, Vocal music education, Economically disadvantaged university students, Achievement motivation, Self-efficacy

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