The purpose of this study is to determine how health-related quality of life (HRQL) is perceived by patients with rheumatoid arthritis using textual analysis and to identify associations between sociodemographic and clinical variables and patients' perceptions. Multicentre, cross-sectional study, including 781 patients (78.8% females, mean age 60.65 years, standard deviation 14.22). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. A questionnaire was used which included an open question, "What does HRQL mean to you?" Cluster analysis was used, and answers to the open question were analysed using textual analysis. Cluster analysis showed three typologies differentiated by gender, age, and socioeconomic level and by the terms used to describe perceptions of HRQL with no marked clinical differences. Characteristic phrases were "to be totally independent, to have no pain, and to do things without thinking about the negative effects" (typology 1); "to have no pain and control my moods and my illness has made me a little excitable" (typology 2); and "to feel well enough to do things for myself" (typology 3). Three representative typologies of patients were identified who differed clearly in their perceptions of HRQL. Textual analysis may be considered as a valid tool for the analysis of complex issues such as quality of life.