The Kübler-Ross Model is commonly known as the Five Stages of Grief. It was first introduced by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her groundbreaking book, On Death and Dying published in 1969. This book brought attention to the sensitivity required for better treatment of those facing any form of catastrophic personal loss or significant life event.
The Five Stages of Grief originally applied to those diagnosed with a terminal illness. However, it relates to any loss a person may experience (loss of freedom, job, income, divorce, etc.). For those facing foreclosure, understanding these five stages will assist in a healthy progression to the final stage of acceptance.
Dr. Kübler-Ross claimed these stages do not always occur in a specific order, nor are all the stages experienced by all patients. However, she believes a person will always experience at least two of the feelings. Oftentimes people facing a traumatic experience will feel several stages in the roller coaster effect that she describes at length in her book. She says that the traumatized person will switch between two or more stages and return to one or more feelings several times before acceptance can occur.
Stage #1: DENIAL
“I feel fine, this can’t be happening to me.”
The first stage is only a temporary defense for most people. However, denial is primarily driven by the individual’s personality. A large majority of people facing foreclosure will remain in this stage through the entire process. They are not willing to accept the truth and end up losing their home to foreclosure, which in most cases can be prevented.
