As per Kubler-Ross' stages of grieving, refusing to believe that loss is happening/has happened is called?

Appeared in: AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Explanation

Denial is the first of the five stages of grief in the Kübler-Ross model.
It is a defense mechanism where the individual consciously or unconsciously refuses to accept the reality of the loss.
This stage is characterized by shock and disbelief, often expressed with phrases like 'This can't be happening.'.
It serves as a temporary buffer, allowing the person to cope with the initial overwhelming emotions.

Option A: Bargaining involves trying to make deals or negotiate to postpone or reverse the loss, often with a higher power. This is different from refusing to believe the loss has occurred.
Option C: Acceptance is the final stage of grief, where the individual comes to terms with the reality of the loss. It is the opposite of denial.
Option D: Depression is a stage of intense sadness and mourning. It signifies that the person has begun to acknowledge the reality of the loss, unlike in the denial stage.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Kübler-Ross's stages of grief helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses use the Kübler-Ross model to understand and support patients and their families, tailoring communication and care to their emotional state.
It is crucial to remember that grief is a personal process; not everyone experiences all stages or in a specific order. Some may revisit stages or experience them simultaneously.
Recognizing the stage of grief helps the nurse to provide appropriate interventions, such as offering a supportive presence during denial or allowing for ventilation of feelings during anger.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is Kübler-Ross's model of grief.
Next, analyze the key phrase in the stem: 'refusing to believe that loss is happening/has happened'.
Recall the definitions of the five stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
Match the key phrase 'refusing to believe' to its corresponding stage. This is the classic definition of Denial.
Review the given options to confirm that 'Denial' is present and select it as the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 949-951

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 37-39

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 5e p. 94-96

Practise the full AIIMS Patna NO - 2020

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.