The objective of this study is to test the efficacy of an innovative contemplative-based and caregiver-inclusive intervention can modify pathogenic processes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to a psychoeducation-based intervention. Contemplative techniques such as meditation, mindfulness and yoga may have an impact on the disease burden and may decrease psychological distress, increase self-regulation capabilities, and reduce pain. It is also well documented that social relationships moderate physical health. Incorporating patients' caregivers may strengthen their relationships and thereby improve their health and well-being. It is anticipated that the successful outcome of the mindfulness-based intervention described in this proposal will provide the basis for a new and effective contemplative-based and caregiver-inclusive therapy for SLE and other rheumatic diseases. Although we expect our mindfulness-based intervention to outperform our psychoeducation intervention, we note that the psychoeducation intervention is much closer to treatment as usual (especially insofar as many lupus patients are provided no psychosocial intervention whatever), and to that degree can reasonably be considered our best initial point of comparison. In practice, most patients would be provided medication and some basic information about living with the disease, as well as, perhaps, some additional guidance about coping with chronic stress and pain. We believe that our comparison condition goes beyond this to provide a bona fide intervention in itself.
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Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females who have given written informed consent * 18 years of age or older * Literate in English: able to read, understand, follow instructions, and complete the rating scales and questionnaires accurately * Have a clinical diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus * Must pass the initial MRI screening * Must be a participant in The University of Toronto Clinic and Database Research Program - Prognosis and Genetic Studies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus * Must be able to access the Internet regularly Exclusion Criteria: * Significant previous mindfulness training and experience (e.g. MBSR course, daily meditation practice) * Any current Axis I DSM-IV-TR psychiatric disorder that, in the clinician's opinion, warrants treatment or would preclude safe participation in the protocol, including, but not limited to: psychosis, schizophrenia, dementia, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, primary diagnosis of eating disorder, or chronic suicidality or homicidality. * Have clinical evidence of significant unstable or uncontrolled acute or chronic diseases not related to SLE (i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular, pulmonary, hematologic, gastrointestinal, neurological, or infectious) which, in the opinion of the treating physician, could confound the results of the study or put the patients at undue risk. * Chronic use of prescribed or recreational psychoactive drugs (self-reported) * Current drug or alcohol abuse or dependence, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependence within 364 days prior to Baseline (self-reported) * Too sick to meaningfully participate (e.g. hospitalized, flaring at the time of screening) * In order to participate in the MRI portion of the study, participants must pass the in-person MRI screening administered by the MRI technician before each MRI. If participants fail the in-person MRI screening, they will be excluded from the MRI portion of the study, but can still participate in the intervention portion of the study. * Is not a participant in The University of Toronto Clinic and Database Research Program - Prognosis and Genetic Studies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus