Final answer:
The first stage of the grieving process is denial.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first stage of the grieving process, according to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five-stage model of grief, is denial.
Denial is characterized by the person's refusal to accept or believe that they are facing death or loss. They may experience thoughts such as 'I feel fine' or 'This is not really happening to me'. It is a natural defense mechanism that helps individuals cope with overwhelming emotions and gives them time to gradually process the reality of the situation.
It is important to note that the stages of grief may not always occur in a linear order, and individuals may not experience all of the stages. Each person's grieving process is unique and can happen at different paces.