Its accurate but slightly limited. The model usually get interpretted as law. Though people judge themselves or become confused when they find themselves cycling through the stages randomly. In the acute moment of grief, the stages do typically appear in order. However sometimes circumstances complicate that, such as anticipatory grief or ambivalent grief. During the chronic phase of grief, the healing process, these stages are much less clear and ordered. People can find themselves all over the place. Cycling through all the stages in one day, only to have to start fresh the next day. Its complicated and messy to heal chronic grief.

The model is handy, understandable, easy to remember and easy to explain. I also think it is slightly limited and simplistic and we can do better. I am developing a grief theory thar relates to the love languages. I believe there is a parallel in the way we love and the way we grieve and understanding our language can reduce family conflict.

Credentials: decade in deathcare.