Abstract

A retrospective pretest (a survey technique in which participants are asked to indicate their level of understanding, attitudes, and skills prior to the intervention, even though they are asked after the intervention occurred) for identifying a self-reported program effect may be more accurate than a pretest due to bias toward more favorable behavior reporting at baseline. This study compares a pretest (or preintervention) and a retrospective pretest for evaluating the effect of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP) for parents and youth. Analyses are based on 135 parents and 137 youth who received the SFP intervention and completed a pretest and retrospective pretest. Data was collected in 2023. Overestimation bias in the pretest was identified for several items and corresponding constructs related to parenting and family functioning (bonding, boundaries, monitoring, and child good behavior). This overestimation may be due to lack of trust in the service delivery, lower mindfulness about adequate parenting and family functioning, and a desire to be more socially appropriate. The level of overestimation bias was not dependent on who the child lives with (mother, father, both, neither), sex, age, race, or ethnicity. A retrospective pretest can help lower overestimation bias and provide a more accurate indication of program efficacy based on a within group design.

Keywords: Bias, Prospective pretest, Retrospective pretest, Strengthening Families Program

How to Cite:

Merrill, R. M., Simmons, D. & Brown, J. L., (2025) “Comparison of a Pretest Versus a Retrospective Pretest with Parents and Children Involved in the Strengthening Families Program”, Health Behavior Research 8(3). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/2572-1836.1308