A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multicomponent Positive Psychological Intervention: The Potential Mechanism of Altruism

Purpose: Although multicomponent positive psychological interventions (MPPIs) effectively improve well-being, it is crucial to examine which intervention component plays a critical role. Method: This cluster randomized controlled trial assigned 221 immigrants from mainland China to Hong Kong to either an MPPI arm ( n  =  116, 11 clusters) or an MPPI  +  Information arm ( n  =  105, 11 clusters). Both arms aimed to enhance three intervention outcomes: resilience, happiness, and mental health. The MPPI part in the two arms included four components: self-efficacy, positive thinking, altruism, and goal setting. The information part provided information about Hong Kong. Results: Both arms effectively improved the four intervention components and three intervention outcomes. MPPI  +  Information increased the immigrants’ knowledge of Hong Kong. The network analysis showed that altruism had the greatest strength in the network. Conclusions: Future studies should focus on the specific intervention component of altruism to understand how the MPPI works.