The basic assumptions of all stage theories are that the stages are universal and sequential and that each stage is necessary for successful resolution of subsequent stages. Kübler-Ross’ (1969, 1981) work with dying individuals led her to develop a five-stage model of coping with a terminal illness (i.e., denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). As well, the model has been adapted by many professionals as a framework for interpreting the grief process.
Although Kübler-Ross never made such claims, her model is often interpreted as implying that all dying people go through all of the stages she identified in a specific order and that achieving acceptance is essential, psychologically. However, Cutcliffe (2006a) described the process of moving through the stages as “analogous to the movement of the in-coming tide. While such a tide has a gradual progression towards its final destination, its progression is cyclic with many movements ‘out’ or ‘back’ before the end is successfully achieved” (p. 600). In other words, some dying or grieving individuals oscillate back and forth through bargaining and denial as they work towards acceptance or resolution, and as Cutcliffe also observed, many never move completely into acceptance at all.
References:
Cutcliffe, J. R. (2006a). The principles and processes of inspiring hope
in bereavement counselling: A modified grounded theory study –
part one. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing,
13, 598-603.
Kübler-Ross, E. (1969). On death and dying. New York: Macmillian.
Kübler-Ross, E. (1981). Living with death and dying. New York:
Macmillian.