A parent says, "If only God spares my son I will devote my life to caring for other sick children." This indicates which grief stage?

A parent says, "If only God spares my son I will devote my life to caring for other sick children." This indicates which grief stage?

• A. Depression
• B. Acceptance
• C. Bargaining
• D. Anger

Answer: (C)

Grief often includes bargaining, a response where a person tries to negotiate to change or delay a painful outcome. The parent’s remark—“If God spares my son I will devote my life to caring for other sick children”—embodies that pattern, presenting a conditional pledge in hopes of altering the future. It’s a way to regain a sense of control by making a deal with fate or a higher power. This isn’t the depressive withdrawal of persistent sadness, nor the acceptance of reality and planning for the future, nor the outward anger directed at people or circumstances. Bargaining stands out because it involves a promise or trade-off in an attempt to avert or lessen the loss.

Grief often includes bargaining, a response where a person tries to negotiate to change or delay a painful outcome. The parent’s remark—“If God spares my son I will devote my life to caring for other sick children”—embodies that pattern, presenting a conditional pledge in hopes of altering the future. It’s a way to regain a sense of control by making a deal with fate or a higher power. This isn’t the depressive withdrawal of persistent sadness, nor the acceptance of reality and planning for the future, nor the outward anger directed at people or circumstances. Bargaining stands out because it involves a promise or trade-off in an attempt to avert or lessen the loss.