Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

Which of the following is true of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages of grief?

1. They always occur in the same order

2. They do not always occur in order

3. They are only applicable to severe grief

4. They must be completed before healing begins

The correct answer is: They do not always occur in order

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—are often depicted as a linear progression. However, the reality of the grieving process is much more complex and individualized. Each person experiences grief differently, and the stages do not necessarily follow a strict sequence. Individuals may revisit certain stages or experience them in a different order based on their personal circumstances, emotional state, and the nature of their loss. This understanding emphasizes that grief is a unique journey and allows for a more compassionate approach to those who are grieving. The other statements do not reflect the nuances of the grieving process. The idea that the stages must occur in a specific order, that they are only relevant to severe grief, or that they must be completed before healing can start does not acknowledge the variability and the personal nature of emotional responses to loss.