Association of Social Work Boards Masters (ASWB MSW) Practice Exam

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What is the first stage in the traditional five stages of grief?

  1. Anger

  2. Bargaining

  3. Depression

  4. Denial and isolation

The correct answer is: Denial and isolation

The first stage in the traditional five stages of grief is denial and isolation. This is because when people first experience loss or tragedy, it is common for them to refuse to accept the reality of the situation and may isolate themselves from others as a coping mechanism. Anger, bargaining, and depression are the subsequent stages that individuals may go through in the grief process, but they do not initially start with these emotions. It is also important to note that these stages are not linear and individuals may not experience all of them in the same order. Therefore, the other options listed are incorrect as they do not reflect the first stage in the five stages of grief.