This doctoral research investigates the effect of a Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based psychoeducation program delivered via social media on treatment adherence in individuals diagnosed with psychosis. The study follows a randomized controlled trial design with pretest, posttest, and three-month follow-up assessments.

A total of 60 participants were selected from among 354 individuals registered at the Balıkesir Community Mental Health Center (CMHC), based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned into three groups:

1. an online intervention group receiving a 5-week TTM-based treatment adherence psychoeducation program via WhatsApp;
2. a face-to-face intervention group receiving a standard, non-TTM-based treatment adherence psychoeducation program over 3 weeks at the CMHC; and
3. a control group that received no educational intervention, only assessments.

Data collection instruments include a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Stage of Change Identification Form, the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (CGI-S). Measurements were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three months after the intervention.

The study hypotheses are:

Research Hypotheses H1: The treatment adherence scale scores of individuals diagnosed with psychosis who participate in the TTM-based psychoeducation group administered via social media will differ compared to the scores of individuals who participate in the face-to-face treatment adherence psychoeducation group.

H2: The treatment adherence scale scores of individuals diagnosed with psychosis who participate in the TTM-based psychoeducation group administered via social media will differ compared to the scores of individuals who do not receive TTM-based psychoeducation.

This study aims to provide evidence for the efficacy of theory-based, technology-supported psychoeducation programs in enhancing treatment adherence among individuals with psychosis. Furthermore, it evaluates whether a model-based online psychoeducation program is more effective than a conventional treatment adherence education.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosed with a psychotic disorder according to DSM-5 criteria, including:
• Schizophrenia
• Schizophreniform disorder
• Schizoaffective disorder (with mild mood symptoms)
• Brief psychotic disorder
• Substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder (in remission)
• Paranoid disorder
• On the same prescribed psychiatric medication for at least one month
• Able to communicate in Turkish
• Has access to the internet and owns at least one active social media account (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.)
• Literate and able to complete self-report forms
• Willing to participate and provide informed consent
• Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) score of 4 or below

Exclusion Criteria:

• Under 18 or over 65 years of age
• Acute psychotic episode at the time of recruitment
• Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses not covered under the inclusion list
• Diagnosed with neurocognitive disorders (e.g., dementia)
• Diagnosed with intellectual disability (mental retardation)
• Unable to use smartphone, tablet, or other digital communication tools
• Missed more than 20% of the intervention sessions