Acceptance
The final stage of grieving when an individual understands and comes to terms with the reality of a loss or death.
Arteriosclerosis
: A condition where the walls of the arteries become thick and stiff, often restricting blood flow to organs and tissues.
Daydreaming
A defense mechanism involving escape from reality into a world of fantasy or imagination to avoid stress or boredom.
Early adulthood
The life stage roughly between ages 19 and 40, focused on independence, career, and forming intimate relationships.
Hospice
A type of care designed to provide comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families.
Adolescence
: The life stage between childhood and adulthood (roughly ages 12–18), characterized by puberty and the transition to physical and mental maturity.
Bargaining
: A stage of grieving where the individual tries to make deals (often with a higher power) to postpone or reverse a loss.
Denial
A defense mechanism or stage of grieving where a person refuses to believe or acknowledge a painful reality.
Early childhood
The life stage from ages 1 to 6, characterized by rapid physical and language development.
Infancy
The first stage of life, typically from birth to one year of age.
Affection
A gentle feeling of fondness or liking; a basic emotional need for connection with others.
Chemical abuse
The inappropriate or excessive use of drugs or alcohol, leading to physical or psychological harm.
Depression
A stage of grieving characterized by profound sadness, withdrawal, and a sense of hopelessness regarding a loss.
Emotional
Relating to feelings, such as love, fear, joy, or sadness.
Late adulthood
The life stage beginning around age 65, often involving retirement and coping with physical changes of aging.
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive brain disorder that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior, often leading to dementia.
: Relating to mental processes such as thinking, learning, remembering, and problem-solving.
Development
The functional and psychological changes that occur over time as a person matures.
The need for self-respect and the respect of others; feeling valuable and competent.
Late childhood
The life stage from ages 6 to 12, also known as the "pre-adolescent" years.
Anger
A stage of grieving where the individual feels resentment or hostility toward the situation or others.
Compensation
A defense mechanism where a person overemphasizes a strength to make up for a perceived weakness or failure in another area.
Displacement
A defense mechanism where feelings or frustrations are transferred from the actual target to a less threatening substitute.
Growth
The physical changes that take place in the body, such as increases in height and weight.
Life stages
The various phases of growth and development a human passes through from birth to death.