What are the phases of grief according to the five-phase model?

The five-phase model of grief, often attributed to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, identifies a specific sequence that people typically experience when coping with loss or significant change. The correct sequence includes denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

In the first phase, denial, individuals may struggle to accept the reality of the situation. This is a coping mechanism that helps them manage the immediate shock of loss. The second phase, anger, often emerges as individuals feel frustration and helplessness, directing these feelings at themselves or others. The bargaining phase follows, during which individuals may attempt to negotiate a way out of their grief, often reflecting a desire to reverse or lessen the impact of the loss. The fourth phase, depression, involves deep sadness as the individual begins to understand the extent of the loss. Finally, acceptance is the phase where individuals find a way to move forward with their lives despite the loss, coming to terms with their feelings and realities.

This model is widely recognized and utilized in understanding the emotional responses to grief, emphasizing not only the linear progression but also the potential for people to move back and forth between these phases. This understanding is crucial for anyone studying the psychological aspects of grief, especially in fields such as counseling, social work, or law