Who developed the five stages of grief?

The five stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, were developed by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. Her work, introduced in the 1969 book "On Death and Dying," provides a framework for understanding the emotional response individuals may go through when facing terminal illness or significant loss. Kübler-Ross's theory has had a profound impact on both the fields of psychology and healthcare, particularly in how caregivers and healthcare professionals approach patients dealing with grief.

Her stages emphasize that these reactions are not necessarily linear and that individuals may experience these emotions in varying orders and intensities. This model has helped to initiate conversations about death and the grieving process, making it an essential reference in both clinical settings and personal contexts while discussing the emotional responses to loss. This framework continues to be used for providing support to those navigating through grief and loss experiences.