Yes, the most well-known theory for understanding the stages of grief is Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s Five Stages of Grief model. However, other models expand or challenge this framework. Let’s go through them:

1. Kübler-Ross Model (Five Stages of Grief)

Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced this model in her book On Death and Dying (1969). It originally described how terminally ill patients process their own impending death, but it has since been widely applied to all forms of grief and loss.

The five stages are:

1. Denial – Shock, disbelief, or refusal to accept the loss.
2. Anger – Frustration, resentment, or questioning (“Why me?”).
3. Bargaining – Attempting to make deals to reverse or lessen the loss.
4. Depression – Deep sadness, withdrawal, and mourning.
5. Acceptance – Coming to terms with the reality of the loss.

🔹 Criticism: Grief is not always linear; people don’t necessarily go through these stages in order.

2. The Seven Stages of Grief (Extended Model)

This expanded model acknowledges a broader range of emotions:

1. Shock & Disbelief: Numbness, denial.
2. Denial: Avoidance, pretending the loss didn’t happen.
3. Anger: Directed at self, others, or even fate.
4. Bargaining: “If only…” thoughts, regret, seeking ways to undo loss.
5. Depression: Overwhelming sadness and withdrawal.
6. Testing/Reconstruction: Seeking solutions, adjusting to life.
7. Acceptance: Finding a way to move forward.

This model accounts for a more gradual adjustment process.

This model is shaped from various writers’ articles based on Kübler-Ross Model.

3. The Dual Process Model of Grief (Stroebe & Schut, 1999)

Unlike stage-based models, this theory sees grief as oscillating between two states:

• Loss-Oriented Coping: Facing emotions, reminiscing, and mourning.
• Restoration-Oriented Coping: Adjusting to life, focusing on new tasks, and distracting oneself.

🔹 Strengths: This model acknowledges that grief is not just about feeling the loss but also about adapting to life without the person/situation.

4. Meaning-Making Model (Robert Neimeyer, 2001)

This model suggests that grief is a process of reconstructing meaning in life after a significant loss. People need to find a sense of purpose despite the loss, often by reshaping their personal narratives.

🔹 Application: Common in therapy and existential approaches to grief.

5. Continuing Bonds Theory (Klass, Silverman, & Nickman, 1996)

This challenges the idea that grief should be “resolved” and suggests that people maintain ongoing bonds with the deceased or lost relationship in various ways (memories, rituals, conversations).

🔹 Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizes that many cultures encourage continuing relationships with the deceased.

Final Thoughts

• There is no single “correct” way to grieve. Different models highlight different aspects of grief.
• Not everyone experiences all stages, and grief is non-linear.
• Grief is deeply personal and influenced by culture, personality, and circumstances.