What step in the acceptance of terminal illness involves negotiating for more time or a cure?

The step in the acceptance of terminal illness that involves negotiating for more time or a cure is bargaining. This stage often emerges as individuals grapple with the reality of their illness. During bargaining, a person might make promises or seek to negotiate with a higher power or even their own reality, hoping for a way to postpone death or achieve a cure. This might involve thoughts such as, "If I can just live until my child's wedding," or "I will change my life if I can just be healthy again." The underlying theme is a desire to regain control over their situation.

In contrast, the other stages, although part of the overall process of dealing with terminal illness, serve different emotional functions. Denial involves a refusal to accept the reality of the situation, creating a protective shield against overwhelming emotions. Anger often expresses frustration and helplessness about the situation, directed toward oneself, others, or the illness. Acceptance is the stage where individuals come to terms with their situation and start to find peace with it. Each stage plays a critical role in the emotional journey, but it is the bargaining phase that specifically focuses on negotiations for additional time or remedying the situation.