According to Kübler-Ross, which stage is NOT part of the grief stages?

Kübler-Ross introduced a model of grief that is widely recognized, outlining five stages that individuals may go through when dealing with loss, particularly in the context of terminal illness. These stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Rationalization is not one of the stages in Kübler-Ross's model. Instead, it is a defense mechanism that individuals may use to justify or explain their emotions or circumstances, but it does not specifically correlate to the grieving process as defined by her framework. Each of the other stages—acceptance, bargaining, denial—and even anger and depression—play a direct role in how individuals cope with grief, representing emotional responses and adaptive challenges one might encounter following a significant loss.

By understanding these specific stages, individuals can better recognize the experiences of themselves and others as they navigate the complex emotions associated with grief.