Bargaining Stage

The bargaining stage is a concept in psychology that refers to the third stage of grief proposed by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her model of the five stages of grief. It is characterized by a person’s attempt to negotiate or make deals in an effort to delay or change the inevitable.

Overview

The bargaining stage typically occurs after the initial shock and denial (first stage) and the expression of anger and resentment (second stage). During this stage, individuals often experience a sense of helplessness and a desire to regain control of the situation. They may engage in negotiations, often with a higher power or other people, in hopes of overcoming the grief or loss they are experiencing.

Examples

Examples of bargaining in the grief process can range from making promises or deals with a deity or higher power (“If you spare my loved one, I will change my ways”) to negotiating with oneself or others in an attempt to find a way to reverse or alter the circumstances (“If I dedicate myself to charity work, maybe the universe will grant me a miracle”).

Functions

The bargaining stage serves several psychological functions. It allows individuals to mentally prepare for the potential consequences of the loss, giving them a sense of control and agency. Bargaining can also assist in the search for meaning and purpose in the face of grief, as individuals attempt to make sense of the situation and find a reason behind the loss.

Criticism

While Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief model has been widely influential, it has also faced criticism from some experts in the field of psychology. Critics argue that the model may oversimplify the complex experience of grief and that not everyone will go through all the stages, or necessarily in the same order. Additionally, the bargaining stage may prolong the acceptance of the loss and hinder the individual from fully processing their emotions.