Final answer:
The first phase of going through a difficult change is denial, identified by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross as the stage where a person refuses to accept their situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first phase of going through a difficult change is denial. According to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, this is characterized by the person's inability to accept the situation, often accompanied by thoughts like "I feel fine" or "This is not really happening to me." Understanding this phase is important for anyone facing major life transitions, such as a terminal illness, a major move, or a significant change in personal beliefs or relationships.