Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

The bargaining stage of grief is primarily characterized by making deals or negotiations in an attempt to regain control or alter circumstances regarding loss. This emotional response is often manifested through thoughts such as "If only I had done this differently" or "I will do anything to bring them back." Individuals in this stage may try to negotiate with themselves, a higher power, or others to change the outcome of their loss. This is a natural part of the grieving process, where the individual seeks to postpone the inevitable feelings associated with loss and may hold onto hope that a different outcome is possible. This negotiation can often reflect a desire to compromise in order to lessen the pain of the situation.

The other emotional responses described do not align with the bargain phase. Refusal to accept reality is tied to denial, while extreme sadness is a hallmark of depression in the grieving process, and expressing bitterness relates to feelings of anger rather than bargaining.