Engel: Five Stages of Grief

Question 1

Shock and disbelief

Answer 1

The patient experiences a sense of numbness and denial over the loss

Question 2

Developing awareness

Answer 2

The patient becomes aware of the reality of the loss resulting in intense feelings of grief. This begins within hours of the loss

Question 3

Restitution

Answer 3

The patient carries out cultural/religious rituals (a funeral) following the loss

Question 4

Resolution of the loss

Answer 4

The patient is preoccupied with the loss. Over about a 12 month time period this preoccupation gradually decreases

Question 5

Recovery

Answer 5

The patent moves past the preoccupation and forward with life