In 1969, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the “5 Stages of Death,” also known as the “5 Stages of Grief®,” the “5 Stages of Loss®,” or simply “The 5 Stages.” These stages—Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance—reflect common emotional responses to change, loss, or shock. While they are often depicted in a linear sequence for clarity, Kübler-Ross emphasized in her 1974 book, “Questions and Answers on Death & Dying,” that these stages are not necessarily experienced in a fixed order. She also noted that these stages are applicable to various forms of grief, change, and loss. Additionally, her work explored other emotional responses, including partial denial, anticipatory grief, shock, hope, guilt, and anxiety. Since the publication of “On Death & Dying,” these stages have been further developed into the “Kübler-Ross Change Curve®,” with several illustrations available on our web page. Since the 1980s, the Kübler-Ross Change Curve has become a cornerstone of change management.
The stages of the Kübler-Ross Change Curve are not experienced in a strict sequence, nor do they always progress in a linear fashion. The emotional journey can be cyclical, with stages overlapping or repeating in response to evolving aspects of the change. This non-linear progression reflects the complexity of emotional responses, highlighting that the path to acceptance and adaptation is often a dynamic and iterative process.
Individuals may find themselves revisiting stages multiple times as they navigate through change. For example, many experience shock, characterized by disbelief and numbness as they confront change. It is not unusual to utter comments like “This can’t be happening, what now?” This experience can be disorienting, leaving them feeling paralyzed or struggling to fully understand the implications of the shift.
- Denial occurs when people resist acknowledging the change or its significance. It takes time for our brains to register a new reality. At various times, we may need to be reminded of what actually happened. Denial acts as a protective mechanism to shield them from the full emotional impact of the situation. They might act as if nothing has altered or cling to the hope that circumstances will revert to their previous state. This can reoccur as changes continue.
- Frustration surfaces throughout the process of change. This stage involves a growing awareness of the disruption and its challenges, sometimes leading to irritation or anger. The opportunity frustration offers is the questions that arise about the reasons for the change and how to cope. This clarifies what is most valuable and can help someone navigate through and direct their choices throughout any transition.
- Depression can appear multiple times throughout the process. Rather than fading away, feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss may resurface, especially as new secondary losses or adjustments arise. The impact of the change may become more apparent over time, causing repeated episodes of emotional struggle and a fluctuating sense of self-worth or purpose.
- During periods of experimentation, individuals start exploring and trying new ways to handle the change. This is characterized by a proactive approach, where people test different strategies, behaviors, or attitudes to adapt to the new situation. Experimentation often follows and can overlap with previous stages, as individuals refine their coping mechanisms.
- Coping with change requires adaptability and conscious decision-making. Viable strategies are identified, and concrete choices are made about how to proceed, committing to new ways of operating or thinking. Integration involves incorporating these decisions into daily life, but it’s valuable for people to revisit, reassess, reinvent, and recreate themselves as they implement and adjust their choices.
- Integration is the foundation of the change curve process. It represents the goal where the change becomes part of the individual’s new reality. The new circumstances are accepted and embraced, and stability is sought. However, change is an emotional journey. People may continue to experience echoes of all of these stages as they reconcile the past with the present and find a renewed sense of control or satisfaction.
Kübler-Ross Change Curve®
Kübler-Ross Change Curve®