Final answer:
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross formulated the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—to describe the emotional response to terminal illness or loss. Not everyone experiences these stages in order or at all. Her work has been foundational in the field of psychology surrounding death and bereavement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Five Stages of Grief by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross
Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, a renowned psychologist, developed a model to explain the emotional reactions individuals often experience when diagnosed with a terminal illness like cancer. In her groundbreaking work, she identified five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
The order of stages she proposed in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, are as follows: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. It's important to note that not every person will go through all these stages, or in the prescribed order, as it varies from individual to individual. The concept of these stages helps many to understand and pinpoint where they might be in the process of coping with impending death or loss.
When faced with a terminal illness, denial typically manifests as a disbelief in the reality of one's situation. As the truth begins to settle in, anger may arise from the perceived injustice of the situation. Bargaining often involves seeking an extension of life or a way out of the situation through negotiation, whether with a deity or the universe itself. Depression is a deep sadness that comes with the realization of the inevitability of death. Finally, acceptance is reached when one comes to terms with death and embraces the time they have left.
Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's contributions have significantly influenced our understanding of the psychological processes associated with dying and grieving. Her five-stage model provides a framework for decoding the complex emotional reactions associated with the loss of one's own life or that of loved ones. It has also highlighted how the dying may need different kinds of support as they navigate through these stages.