What is the first step in Worden's tasks of grief?

The correct choice, accepting the reality of loss, represents a crucial initial step in Worden's tasks of grief. This task emphasizes the importance of coming to terms with the fact that the loved one has died. Accepting this reality is foundational because it enables the bereaved to confront their feelings of loss honestly, which is essential for the grieving process.

Without acknowledging the reality and permanence of the loss, individuals may struggle with denial or avoidance, which can hinder their ability to progress through the other tasks of grief. This acceptance sets the stage for the individual to experience the associated pain of grief, adjust to life without the deceased, and ultimately reinvest emotional energy into new relationships. Each subsequent step builds upon the acceptance of loss, making it a vital component of healthy grief resolution.