North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Which of the following stages is associated with coming to terms with death?

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Acceptance

The correct answer is: Acceptance

The stage associated with coming to terms with death is acceptance. In the context of grief and loss, acceptance represents a phase where individuals acknowledge the reality of their situation and begin to find a way to move forward. This stage often involves a certain level of peace and understanding about the inevitable aspects of life and death, allowing for emotional healing to take place. In various models of grief, particularly Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's stages of grief, acceptance is seen as a crucial final step wherein a person can ultimately let go of the struggle against loss and adjust to life without the deceased. This acceptance does not negate the feelings of sadness or longing but rather integrates those feelings into a new reality. The other stages, such as denial, anger, and bargaining, represent earlier emotional responses that a person may experience when facing the reality of death. Denial involves refusing to accept the situation; anger serves as an emotional reaction to the loss; and bargaining often includes attempts to negotiate in hopes of reversing the situation. Acceptance follows after these initial stages, marking a significant shift toward coping and eventually finding a sense of resolution.