Which of the following are the universal stages of loss?

The correct choice reflects the widely recognized framework of the stages of grief and loss, originally identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. This model describes five specific stages that individuals commonly go through when coping with loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Denial serves as a first response to overwhelming emotions, acting as a buffer that allows individuals to process the initial shock. As the reality of the situation sets in, feelings of anger may surface, often directed at oneself or others. Following this, individuals might enter the bargaining stage, where they attempt to negotiate or make deals in the hope of reversing the loss. Depression typically follows as the weight of the loss becomes more apparent, leading to feelings of deep sadness and reflection. Finally, acceptance comes when individuals find a way to move forward, acknowledging their loss and starting to adapt to life without it.

This sequence helps to illustrate how loss can affect emotional and psychological states, providing a framework that can guide understanding and support in therapeutic settings. Other answer choices do not accurately represent these widely accepted stages, either by omitting key components or including terms that do not align with the established model.