Which of the following is a key stage in the Kubler-Ross model of grief?

The Kubler-Ross model of grief outlines a series of stages that people typically experience when dealing with loss or significant change. Denial is one of the initial stages in this model, where individuals may refuse to accept the reality of their situation. This stage serves as a protective mechanism, allowing individuals to buffer the initial shock that comes with loss. During this phase, a person may feel numb or disconnected from the emotional weight of the circumstances.

Understanding denial is crucial because it can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding conversations about the loss or insisting that the situation is not as serious as it is. It is often the first step in a longer process, which may eventually lead to acknowledgment and acceptance of the loss. Recognizing this stage helps therapists to understand their clients’ grief process and to provide appropriate support as they move through the stages outlined in the model.

Each of the other stages, while significant in the overall framework of grief, follows denial and contributes to the broader understanding of how individuals navigate their feelings, but do not represent the initial reaction to grief as denial does.