According to Kubler-Ross, which stage comes first in the stages of loss?

In the context of Kubler-Ross's model of the stages of grief and loss, the first stage is denial. This stage serves as a defense mechanism for individuals who are experiencing overwhelming emotions in response to a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one or a terminal diagnosis. Denial allows individuals to initially cope with and manage the shock of the situation.

During denial, a person may have difficulty accepting the reality of the loss and may isolate themselves emotionally, believing that the situation is temporary or that the loss has not truly occurred. This stage is crucial because it creates a psychological buffer, granting individuals a necessary pause before they are able to delve into their feelings and the subsequent stages, which include anger, bargaining, depression, and eventually acceptance. Thus, recognizing denial as the first stage highlights its role as an integral part of the grieving process, enabling individuals to gradually confront reality and work through their emotions in a way that feels safe and manageable.