What emotion is commonly associated with the grief stage of denial?

The emotion commonly associated with the grief stage of denial is shock. This stage often manifests when individuals are first confronted with the reality of a loss, leading to feelings of disbelief or numbness. Shock serves as a protective mechanism, allowing people to temporarily avoid the full impact of their grief as they struggle to process the situation.

During denial, individuals may find it difficult to accept the reality of their feelings and may mentally block the event from their consciousness. This initial reaction requires time and a supportive environment for the individual to gradually come to terms with their loss and the reality surrounding it. The essence of shock in this stage explains why it is closely linked to the feelings experienced as people try to reconcile their emotions regarding the loss before moving into deeper stages of grief.