What emotion is typically experienced after the initial shock of proposed changes in the change process?

In the context of the change process, after the initial shock, it is common for individuals to progress through various emotional responses. Acceptance is often the final stage where individuals come to terms with changes and begin to embrace them. The emotional journey typically includes denial as an initial reaction to changes.

During the change process, when people face proposed changes, their initial response is often shock, leading to denial where they may refuse to acknowledge the reality of the situation. Denial serves as a defense mechanism, allowing individuals to cope with the discomfort that accompanies significant changes. It is a natural emotional response to unexpected or unwanted change, as people need time to process and understand the implications of the changes before they can fully accept or adapt to them.

Acceptance comes later in the process, after individuals have moved through denial and other emotional responses. Therefore, denial is a crucial emotional stage that precedes the acceptance of change.