Partner participation in cognitive-behavioral self-management group treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

To determine if participation of the spouse of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in cognitive-behavioral oriented self-management training aimed at improving disease related cognitions and coping with pain has additional benefits for the patients.

A total of 59 couples were randomly assigned to 2 conditions. In the experimental condition the couples participated in a group program aimed at restructuring disease related cognitions and decreasing passive coping. In the control condition, only the patient participated. Disease status, self-reported physical and psychological functioning, coping, disease related cognitions, and marriage characteristics were assessed prior to the intervention and 2 weeks and 6 months postintervention. A general linear model with repeated measures was used to test for differences between conditions.

In both conditions, similar positive changes in disease activity, cognitions, coping, and physical and psychological functioning were observed. Patients reported a decrease in potential support. There were no differences between conditions. However, at the followup assessment patients in the experimental condition reported more improvement of disease related communication with their spouse.

No evidence was found for additional beneficial effects of spouse participation in the cognitive-behavioral oriented self-management group treatment.