Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Practice Examination

Which of the following is NOT a stage in Kubler-Ross's model of grief?

1. Acceptance

2. Bargaining

3. Anger

4. Indifference

The correct answer is: Indifference

In Kubler-Ross's model of grief, there are five recognized stages that individuals typically go through when processing loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The inclusion of 'indifference' as a stage is not supported within this model, making it the answer that does not belong. Indifference implies a lack of emotion or concern, which stands in contrast to the emotional responses identified in Kubler-Ross's framework. The stages she proposed are deeply emotional and reflect active processes of coping with loss. Each recognized stage addresses specific feelings and responses that individuals might experience during their journey of grief. Therefore, since ‘indifference’ does not capture any of the complex emotional responses outlined in the established model, it is correctly identified as the option not relevant to Kubler-Ross's stages of grief.