What is the missing stage in the five stages of the grieving process: denial, __________, bargaining, depression, acceptance?

The missing stage in the five stages of the grieving process is anger. This model, developed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, outlines a series of emotions that individuals may experience when dealing with loss.

After experiencing denial, individuals often move into the anger stage, where feelings of frustration, irritation, and even rage can surface. This anger may be directed towards oneself, others, or even the situation that caused the loss. Recognizing this stage is essential, as it helps individuals to process their grief and can lead to a greater understanding of their emotions. Following anger, many will go on to explore bargaining, where they seek ways to reverse or lessen the impact of the loss, followed by depression and ultimately acceptance.

This framework provides valuable insight into the emotional journey of grieving and highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing anger as a normal part of the process.