Cognitive-behavioral Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosed by rheumatology consultants with RA Exclusion Criteria: * severe psychological difficulties * currently receiving mental health care * any medical condition that might prevent them from safely exercising (e.g. history of more severe heart, lung or cerebrovascular disease) * previously attended an education programme * had a Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire score \>2 (score range 0-3), that is severe functional problems * history of organic brain syndrome * presence of a psychotic disorder * presence of other uncontrolled medical disorders * presence of a major communication disorder, illiteracy * presence of less than an 8th grade education (due to inability to complete questionnaires) * presence of a therapeutic dosage of an antidepressant medication, or presence of another autoimmune disease/disabling condition