This study explored the efficacy of semantic behavior therapy in the management of chronic osteoarthritis pain in elderly patients as well as the relationships among pain, physical health, personality, and social characteristics in this population. The sample consisted of 8 elderly persons who had osteoarthritis of the knee, and 11 healthy elderly persons who comprised the control group. Experimental pain (sensory thresholds, pain thresholds, and pain tolerance levels) was assessed. All subjects were administered a variety of assessment instruments before and after the arthritis subjects received four sessions of a semantic behavior therapy program for pain control. The results revealed that the experimental subjects reported significant reductions in knee pain, and in the extent to which pain interfered with their lives, following therapy. The experimental group also showed significant reductions in psychological symptoms and improvement in self-rated health. No significant differences were found for electrical stimulation measures of sensory threshold, pain threshold, or pain tolerance as a function of treatment. These findings suggest that the therapy operated primarily on psychological processes underlying the experience of pain independent of clients' sensory pain threshold levels. Significant correlations were found for psychological adjustment and physical health. Self-control and instrumental coping appeared to be key variables associated with pain perception, physical health, and psychological adjustment. (NB)