Aims and objectives To test Zauszniewski's resourcefulness and quality of life theory in community‐based patients with schizophrenia. The objectives were to: (a) examine the relationship among psychotic symptoms, resourcefulness and quality of life, and (b) explore the determinants of quality of life. Background According to Zauszniewski's resourcefulness and quality of life theory, for patients, the skills constituting resourcefulness should centre on helping oneself or the use of resources to achieve their health. While the significant associations between resourcefulness and quality of life have been consistently delineated in published research, little is known about resourcefulness in patients with schizophrenia. Design A cross‐sectional study design was used in this study. Methods A total of 120 patients were recruited with convenience sampling who received home care service and community rehabilitation programme. The participants were assessed with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Resourcefulness Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale‐BREF. The psychotic symptoms were rated by the researchers with structured face‐to‐face interviews. Resourcefulness and quality of life were assessed through self‐reporting. STROBE checklist was followed. Results The data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance, t test, Pearson's correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results showed that employment status and psychotic symptoms were correlated with resourcefulness, while employment status, psychotic symptoms and resourcefulness were correlated with quality of life. Resourcefulness and psychotic symptoms were the determinants of quality of life. Conclusion Patients with employment and less psychotic symptoms had greater resourcefulness. In addition, patients with employment, less psychotic symptoms and greater resourcefulness had better quality of life. Relevance to clinical practice Community rehabilitation programmes should include supported employment, symptom management and resourcefulness skills training to enhance patients' resourcefulness and quality of life.