There is a pervasive belief among caregivers and helping professionals that stages exist, and they are often used as a yardstick by which to assess progress (Wortman, Silver, and Kessler, 2006).
Kubler-Ross' stages of death and dying have become somewhat of a cultural litmus for the general public's understanding of grief. Although, Dr. Ross herself, stated they were in no way meant to be diagnostic or universal and were more descriptive of experience, the 5 stages-denial, anger, depression, bargaining and acceptance-are entrenched in the collective psyche.
Professional understanding of grief and loss is in a state of flux and growth and has become more accommodating and reflective of the idiosyncratic nature of grief. If you are working with a professional or model that feels too narrow and non-reflective of your experience, perhaps it is.
