Social anxiety, which is prevalent among nursing students, poses a significant threat not only to their mental well-being but also by increasing their vulnerability to risky interpersonal dynamics, including dating violence. This randomized controlled study aimed to assess the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI) on social anxiety levels, self-compassion, and dating violence among nursing students. The sample included 116 students (intervention group, n = 58; control group, n = 58) with moderate or higher levels of social anxiety. The intervention group received weekly MI sessions designed to address social anxiety for five consecutive weeks. Data were collected using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), Self-Compassion Scale, and Dating Violence Attitude Scale. Measurements were obtained twice: one month and three months after the completion of the MI sessions. Data analysis was conducted using a Generalized Linear Model. At both post-intervention and follow-up assessments, the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower levels of social anxiety and higher levels of self-compassion compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in dating violence awareness was observed at the third-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Motivational interviewing is an effective intervention for reducing social anxiety, enhancing self-compassion, and improving awareness of dating violence. Motivational interviewing is an effective intervention that holistically supports the psychosocial well-being of nursing students by reducing social anxiety, enhancing self-compassion, and increasing awareness of dating violence. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06272890.