Objective: This randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of an enhanced WELLFOCUS Positive Psychotherapy intervention (EWPPT) in improving well-being, recovery, and quality of life among people with schizophrenia (PWS) residing in halfway houses in Hong Kong.
Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled design was implemented across 10 halfway houses. Participants (N = 111) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n = 56; 60.7% female) receiving an 18-week EWPPT program plus standard care, or a control group (n = 55; 47.3% female) receiving standard care only. Validated self-report measures were administered at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up.
Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA with post-hoc testing demonstrated that the intervention group achieved significant, sustained improvements in well-being (p < .01) and recovery (p < .001) across time points. Quality of life also showed a significant, though more modest, improvement at the three-month follow-up (p< .05). Between-group comparisons confirmed significantly higher well-being in the intervention group at follow-up (p< .05).
Conclusions: The EWPPT intervention is an effective therapeutic approach for enhancing well-being and supporting recovery in PWS within community-based residential settings. The findings advocate for its broader implementation and suggest value in further refinement and long-term evaluation to maximize sustained benefits.