In Parkes's model, which phase is the period of numbness close to the time of the loss?

In Parkes's model, which phase is the period of numbness close to the time of the loss?

• A. Phase II
• B. Phase I
• C. Phase III
• D. Phase IV

Answer: (B)

Parkes's model starts with an initial reaction of numbness or shock that appears right around the time of the loss. This early phase acts as a protective buffer, dampening the immediate emotional impact so the person can begin to process what happened. As time goes on, grief then moves into later phases—yearning and searching, followed by disorganization and despair, and finally reorganization as life adjusts without the loved one. So the period of numbness close to the loss is the first phase.

Parkes's model starts with an initial reaction of numbness or shock that appears right around the time of the loss. This early phase acts as a protective buffer, dampening the immediate emotional impact so the person can begin to process what happened. As time goes on, grief then moves into later phases—yearning and searching, followed by disorganization and despair, and finally reorganization as life adjusts without the loved one. So the period of numbness close to the loss is the first phase.