Which feeling is associated with the bargaining stage of grief?

The bargaining stage of grief is often marked by feelings of hope. During this stage, individuals may find themselves making deals or bargaining with a higher power, seeking to reverse or lessen the loss they are experiencing. This can manifest in thoughts such as "If only I had done this differently" or "I promise to be a better person if I could just have them back." These thoughts reflect a glimmer of hope that there might be a way to change the situation or gain some sense of control over the grief they are experiencing.

Hope is a critical element in this stage as it helps individuals cope with their emotions and process the loss more effectively. By envisioning a different outcome or actively seeking ways to mitigate their pain, individuals are attempting to regain some emotional stability. This contrasts with other emotional responses seen in different stages of grief, such as despair, which is characterized by a feeling of hopelessness, or anger, where individuals might feel frustration and resentment over their loss.