Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which stage follows "Shock" in the typical adjustment process to disability?

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Adaptation

4. Depression

The correct answer is: Anger

Following the stage of "Shock," which is characterized by an initial state of disbelief and emotional numbness in response to the diagnosis of a disability, the next stage is often "Anger." This stage reflects the individual's emotional response as they begin to process their situation. Anger may arise as a reaction to feelings of helplessness, frustration, or the perceived injustice of their experience. In this context, anger serves as a critical phase where individuals may direct their feelings toward various targets, including themselves, their condition, or others around them. Understanding this response is vital for rehabilitation counselors, as it allows them to offer appropriate support and strategies for coping with the emotional upheaval caused by the change in one's life circumstances due to a disability. The other stages that might follow—such as "Denial," "Adaptation," or "Depression"—are considered subsequent emotional responses that may emerge after the individual has acknowledged their feelings of anger. However, anger typically comes directly after the shock phase, making it a likely next step in the adjustment process.