The Comparison Group Problem in Bereavement Studies and the Retrospective Pretest

An elaboration of Campbell and Stanley's (1963) retrospective pretest design to include a "surrogate comparison group" is described. The successful use of the design is illustrated and tested using data from a longitudinal investigation of bereavement outcome following pregnancy loss. The bereaved group was not significantly different from the surrogate comparison group of currently pregnant women in their retrospection of their prepregnancy mental health status. The pregnant surrogate group's current mental health status also did not differ from the bereaved group's retrospections concerning their mental health during their pregnancies. Implications for the use of the design are also discussed.