Introduction
The Five Stages of Grief
According to Kübler-Ross, individuals experiencing significant loss may encounter a range of emotional responses as they attempt to make sense of and adapt to their new reality. These emotional reactions became known as the Five Stages of Grief and have remained one of the most recognised frameworks for understanding grief and loss.
While grief is commonly presented as a sequence of stages, it is important to remember that it is a highly individual experience. Not everyone will experience all five stages, nor will they necessarily occur in a particular order. Some individuals may move back and forth between different stages, experience several emotions simultaneously, or not identify with the model at all.
Rather than viewing these stages as a checklist, they are best understood as common emotional responses that can occur following the loss of a loved one, a relationship, health, employment, identity, a beloved companion animal, or other significant life changes.
Before exploring each stage in more detail, you may find the following short video helpful as an introduction to the model.
Please note: While the Kübler-Ross model remains influential, contemporary grief research suggests that grief is rarely experienced in a neat or predictable sequence. Individuals may move between different emotions, revisit stages multiple times, experience several emotions simultaneously, or not identify with the stages at all.
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
“When I reflect on my own experiences of loss, including the loss of my much-loved companion Thomas, I am reminded that grief does not follow a predictable path. Rather, it is a deeply personal journey that reflects the significance of the relationship and the love that remains.”