Give the correct order of the five stages of a dying person?

JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022

Psychology

Easy

Appeared in: JIPMER Pondicherry NO - 2022

Explanation

The correct sequence of the five stages of grief, as proposed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, is Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
This model, often remembered by the mnemonic DABDA, describes the emotional journey individuals often experience when facing terminal illness or significant loss.
The first stage, Denial, is a defense mechanism involving shock and disbelief. This is followed by Anger, where the individual questions "Why me?".
Bargaining involves trying to negotiate for more time. Depression sets in with the full realization of the loss, and finally, Acceptance is a stage of peace and understanding.

Option A: This option incorrectly places Anger and Depression before Denial and Bargaining, disrupting the typical progression of emotional responses described in the Kübler-Ross model.
Option B: This option incorrectly swaps the positions of Anger and Depression. According to the standard Kübler-Ross model, Anger (Stage II) precedes Depression (Stage IV).
Option C: This option incorrectly starts with Depression. Denial is the initial protective stage in the Kübler-Ross model, not Depression.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief and dying as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the stages of grief helps nurses provide empathetic and stage-appropriate psychosocial support to dying patients and their families.
Nurses must recognize that not everyone goes through all stages or in this specific order. The model is a guide for understanding, not a rigid rule for patient experience.
What if? A patient seems to be 'stuck' in the anger stage for a prolonged period. The nurse should facilitate communication, validate their feelings without judgment, and consider involving a grief counselor or spiritual advisor for specialized support, rather than trying to push them to the next stage.

How to Approach the Question

Step 1: Identify the core concept of the question, which is the established psychological model for the stages of dying.
Step 2: Recall the name associated with this model, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and the five key stages: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
Step 3: Use the mnemonic 'DABDA' to remember the correct sequence: D-A-B-D-A.
Step 4: Compare this correct sequence with the given options to find the one that matches.
Step 5: Eliminate options that present the stages in an incorrect order.

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