What are the five stages of grief as commonly recognized?

The five stages of grief, as commonly recognized and conceptualized by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, are Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. This model describes a series of emotional responses that individuals often go through when facing a terminal illness, loss, or other significant trauma.

Denial serves as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to process the reality at their own pace before confronting it fully. Anger typically follows when the reality of the loss sets in, leading individuals to express frustration, which can be directed toward themselves, others, or even the person they lost. Bargaining is the stage where individuals may seek to reverse or lessen the loss, often by making promises or negotiating terms with a higher power. Depression reflects the deep feelings of sadness and regret that often accompany the realization of the loss. Lastly, Acceptance is the stage where individuals come to terms with the reality of their loss and find ways to move forward.

The selected answer accurately lists these stages, capturing the essence of this widely accepted psychological model. Understanding these stages can be crucial for providing empathetic support to those who are grieving, as it highlights the variability and individuality of the grief process.