What is the first stage in Kübler-Ross' Five Stages of Grieving?

What is the first stage in Kübler-Ross' Five Stages of Grieving?

• A. Denial
• B. Anger
• C. Bargaining
• D. Depression

Answer: (A)

Denial acts as a protective pause when someone receives the news of a loss. It shields the person from the full impact, giving time to process gradually rather than being overwhelmed. In the commonly taught sequence of Kübler-Ross's five stages, denial comes first, followed by anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Therefore, denial is the best answer because it is the initial reaction people typically exhibit after a life-changing loss. The other emotions listed are later responses, not the first reaction.

Denial acts as a protective pause when someone receives the news of a loss. It shields the person from the full impact, giving time to process gradually rather than being overwhelmed. In the commonly taught sequence of Kübler-Ross's five stages, denial comes first, followed by anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Therefore, denial is the best answer because it is the initial reaction people typically exhibit after a life-changing loss. The other emotions listed are later responses, not the first reaction.