A realistic understanding of death and dying develops during childhood and is related to both cognitive level and experience.

At ages 3-4, children do not understand that death is irreversible. They believe that the dead retain some capacities they had while they were alive.

By ages 5-9, children know that death is universal but personalize it.

By age 10, children generally understand that the end of life is a biological process. Television seems to be speeding this development; some five-year-olds have an accurate understanding of death.

Seeming to be greatest among those of middle age, anxiety about death is a personality function and relates to age. Anxiety about death is lowest among well-adjusted people, whose lives are marked by high self-esteem and a sense of mastery and purpose.

Kübler-Ross's 5 Stages of Grief:

1. Stage One - Denial: "That did not happen." "Stop joking."
2. Stage Two - Anger: "There is no God." "This should not have happened." "Why me?"
3. Stage Three - Bargaining: "God, I promise I will never _______ again if you bring him/or her back."
4. Stage Four - Depression: "Why did this happen? It is not fair." "How can I go on?" Silent suffering and grief are characteristic of stage four.
5. Stage Five - Acceptance: "Things happen for a reason. I need to find the reason." "It's okay." This stage is accompanied by a sense of peace. Resolution: "I am okay. __________ would want me to go on."

It has been suggested that experiencing any loss can lead to this series of emotions.