Significant research over the past 25years has documented the impact of rheumatoid arthritis RA on patients’ disability, quality of life, and psychological functioning . For example, several studies have shown that depression is very common in RA, with prevalence rates reaching between 20% and 30% in some samples . These findings have underscored the importance of identifying and managing psychological dysfunction in RA patients and developing a comprehensive approach to care that incorporates psychological and behavioral treatments . Importantly, this research has advanced an interdisciplinary perspective on clinical care that has contributed toward enhancing the partnership between the fields of rheumatology, behavioral medicine, and health psychology.