Stages of grief theory

The Stages of Grief theory, developed by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, describes common emotional phases people may experience after a loss or significant change. These stages are: denial (refusing to accept the reality), anger (feeling frustrated or resentful), bargaining (trying to negotiate to alter the situation), depression (feeling overwhelmed or hopeless), and acceptance (coming to terms and finding a way to move forward). It’s important to understand that these stages aren’t always sequential and individuals may revisit them multiple times. The model offers a framework for understanding emotional responses, but everyone’s grieving process is unique.