What is a common reaction to knowing one's terminal diagnosis?

In the context of understanding common emotional responses to receiving a terminal diagnosis, denial is a significant reaction that many individuals experience. Denial serves as a psychological defense mechanism that can allow a person to cope with overwhelming feelings of fear, sadness, or anxiety surrounding their diagnosis. This reaction may manifest as disbelief in the seriousness of the situation or a refusal to accept the impending reality of death.

This perspective aligns with the grieving process, as proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, where denial is often one of the initial stages individuals go through when confronted with life-altering news. In this stage, patients may seek second opinions or avoid discussing their diagnosis, hoping that it will change or not be true.

Other emotional reactions like acceptance, bargaining, and anger are also part of this process, but they typically occur after the denial stage. Acceptance represents a reconciliation with the diagnosis, while bargaining and anger involve more direct engagement with the reality of the situation.