The five stages of grief model, popularized by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, has become a widely recognized framework for understanding the grieving process. However, While the model has been helpful to many people in coping with loss, its interpretation has also led to harmful misconceptions. Specifically, the model is often misunderstood as a factual representation of how all types of grief works, rather than as a tool for reflection and self-awareness. This misunderstanding can lead to unrealistic expectations about the grieving process and lead to unrealistic expectations about the grieving process as well as make them feel as if they are failing if they are not experiencing the stages in a particular order or timeframe. Today, we will explore the actual purpose behind the making of the five stages model. Let;s take a quick look at the five stages of grief model.
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
The model of grief was not based on all types of grief. In fact, it was based on Kubler-Ross’s interviews with terminally ill patients and was intended to describe how people come to terms with their own approaching death.The model was also created to be in no particular order. Grief can be complex, therefore Kubler-Ross emphasized that the process did not necessarily occur in this particular order. However, when the model was popularized a common misconception spread that this was applicable to all types of grief. The problem with this is that grief comes in many different forms, and the five stages model is not necessarily applicable to all of them. For example, the grief experienced after a sudden loss of a loved one may not follow the same trajectory as the grief experienced by someone who has had time to prepare their own death. Additionally, the accepting stage may not be applicable to those who are dealing with loss. The focus should be healing instead of acceptance. Therefore, it is important to recognize the limitations of this model and to approach grief with an open mind, recognizing that everyone’s experience is unique.
This model still works as a blueprint of understanding for those who are experiencing or have someone close to them experiencing a loss. It does a great job of communicating the different emotions that might occur during the process of grief. However, by acknowledging the history and the target audience of the grief model as well as understanding that the grief of loss is unpredictable, people might feel less limited to the structure of the model that may not even apply to them. Your grief journey will be personal, but remember that as you grieve you heal.
Reference:
Davis, Deborah L. “Stages of Grief: The Harmful Myth That Refuses to Die.” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers, 17 Mar. 2023, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/laugh-cry-live/202303/stages-of-grief-the-harmful-myth-that-refuses-to-die.