Those taking part in the study were divided into six groups, based on the amount of time that had passed since the death of their spouse. Both interviews and questionnaires were used to measure symptoms of depression.
Cilvēki, kas tika apsekoti šī pētījuma ietvaros, tika iedalīti sešās grupās atkarībā no tā, cik ilgs laiks bija pagājis pēc viņu dzīvesbiedra nāves.