Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

What stage of grief is characterized by making promises or negotiating for recovery?

1. Denial

2. Acceptance

3. Bargaining

4. Anger

The correct answer is: Bargaining

The stage of grief characterized by making promises or negotiating for recovery is bargaining. In this stage, individuals often seek to regain control of a situation that feels overwhelming or out of their hands, often by making deals with themselves, a higher power, or others. This can manifest in various ways, such as hoping for a cure for a loved one by promising to lead a different lifestyle if they are granted more time or health. Individuals may believe that they can negotiate their way out of distressing circumstances, reflecting a desire to alleviate their suffering through proactive steps or compromises. Bargaining serves as a coping mechanism to deal with the pain of loss, allowing the individual to shift focus from despair to possible hope. This can be seen as a way to protect oneself emotionally from the harsher realities of grief. The behavior of making promises demonstrates a vulnerability and a willingness to engage in a dialogue with circumstances that feel impossible to change.