Final answer:
The fifth and final stage of dying according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross is acceptance, which is a part of her five-stage model of grief that also includes denial, anger, bargaining, and depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the fifth and final stage of dying is acceptance. This stage is reached when a person has adjusted to the idea of death and can face it honestly, seeing it as a natural and inevitable part of life. This allows the individual to make the most of their remaining time. The stages leading up to this point include denial, anger, bargaining, and depression, as outlined in her seminal work, On Death and Dying.
Kübler-Ross's five-stage model has been significant in the field of thanatology, aiding healthcare professionals in providing appropriate psychological care for those in hospice care and nearing the end of life. It's essential to note that not everyone experiences all stages, or in the same order, and people's reactions to death are shaped by various factors, including their personality, situation, and cultural background.