five stages of grief
Also known as: Kübler-Ross model
Quick Summary
The five stages of grief, as identified by psychiatrist Elisabeth K\u00fcbler-Ross, are a model describing the emotional process of dealing with loss. These stages are:1
- Denial: Difficulty accepting the reality of the loss.
- Anger: Frustration and resentment directed outward or inward.
- Bargaining: Attempting to negotiate or make deals to alter the situation.
- Depression: Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal. This differs from clinical depression in that it is a natural response to loss, often focused on the lost person or thing, whereas clinical depression is more pervasive and persistent.2
- Acceptance: Coming to terms with the reality of the loss and finding a way to move forward.
K\u00fcbler-Ross's work revolutionized the care of the terminally ill and changed attitudes toward death and dying.1
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