Stage 5 – Acceptance is characterized by a psychological shift from resistance to integration.

Clinically, it reflects the individual’s ability to emotionally process the loss or change and incorporate it into their ongoing life narrative without overwhelming distress.

This stage is about acknowledging reality, reducing avoidance behaviors, and regaining adaptive functioning.

The person may show increased emotional regulation, a sense of peace, and engagement in future-oriented thinking or problem-solving, indicating successful coping and resilience.