In the Kubler-Ross model, which stage comes immediately after denial?

• A. Anger
• B. Bargaining
• C. Depression
• D. Acceptance

Answer: (A)

The stage that typically follows denial is anger. In this model, denial acts as a protective shield against the reality of loss or impending death. Once that shield fades, the emotional response often shifts to anger—feelings of frustration, injustice, or resentment directed at others, fate, or even oneself. This anger signals movement toward more processing of the situation, before progressing to bargaining, depression, and ultimately acceptance. While the sequence is common, it isn’t universal—people may experience stages in different orders or revisit earlier ones. The other options—bargaining, depression, and acceptance—come after anger in the usual flow.