What the Kubler‑Ross Change Curve Reveals About Our COVID‑19 Reactions

Three years into the pandemic, our attitudes have shifted repeatedly as policies change, moving us through shock, denial, disappointment, and a renewed drive.

Beyond COVID‑19, major events often trigger similar psychological patterns, which can be illustrated by the well‑known Kubler‑Ross Change Curve.

Kubler‑Ross Change Curve

This model describes the emotional phases a person experiences when confronting any significant life change, and the stages closely mirror what many of us are currently feeling.

Understanding the curve can help us navigate change more effectively and accelerate a positive transition.

The diagram below shows the Kubler‑Ross Change Curve:

Shock Stage

This first stage occurs when the change hits hard and feels unbelievable.

People often feel stunned or surprised, unsure how to handle the shift—for example, learning that new pandemic policies have been fully relaxed.

Denial Stage

Next, many enter denial, convincing themselves the change won’t affect them personally, such as believing COVID‑19 poses little risk to young people.

Frustration Stage

In this third stage, we recognize the impact of the change: infections rise, medicines become scarce, delivery services are strained, and anxiety grows.

Feelings of frustration and questioning arise, sometimes leading to criticism of authorities.

We panic and seek ways to avoid the impact, hoping the situation ends quickly so life can return to normal.

Depression Stage

Here, people may feel hopeless and depressed, overwhelmed by the severity of the change, especially if family members are infected and basic needs like medication are unavailable.

This represents the emotional low point, which can be harmful if not addressed.

Experiment Stage

This marks the first step toward acceptance, where individuals actively seek practical solutions and adapt to the new reality.

In the pandemic context, moving beyond denial and depression is crucial; lingering in earlier stages delays recovery.

Planned adjustments help shift attitudes positively.

Decision Stage

Building on the experiment stage, people decide how to adapt and commit to actions, gaining confidence that early adaptation eases the transition.

Over time, confidence grows, reinforcing belief that we can overcome the situation and integrate new habits.

Maintaining a positive attitude and following plans can help us collectively overcome the disease.

Integration (Commitment) Stage

The final stage sees the change become the new normal, with stability achieved and lessons learned for future pandemics.

In summary, the Kubler‑Ross Change Curve outlines seven stages that can be applied to understand reactions to COVID‑19.

References:

Kübler‑Ross Change Curve https://www.ekrfoundation.org/5-stages-of-grief/change-curve/

The Change Curve Analysis in COVID‑19 situation https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/change-curve-analysis-covid-19-situation-deepak-dulloo