What is the correct sequence of the stages of grief?

The correct sequence of the stages of grief is denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. This progression reflects the process that many individuals go through when dealing with loss or significant change, closely following the conceptual framework set out by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

Initially, denial serves as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to process the reality of their situation at their own pace. As the reality begins to sink in, anger often emerges as a way of expressing frustration or helplessness regarding the loss. Following anger, bargaining can occur, where individuals may attempt to negotiate or find reasons for the situation, often involving thoughts about what could have been done differently. This is typically followed by depression, where the individual may confront the reality of the loss profoundly and experience associated feelings of sadness. Finally, acceptance signifies a stage in which the individual comes to terms with the loss and begins to find a way to move forward.

Recognizing this sequence helps in understanding that grief is not linear, and individuals may move back and forth between these stages rather than following them in strict order.