Which reaction to death may be alleviated by viewing the deceased body?

Viewing the deceased body is often associated with helping individuals confront and process the reality of death, particularly for those experiencing denial. Denial is a common initial reaction to loss, where individuals may struggle to accept the reality of the situation, believing that the death has not truly occurred or that it is somehow reversible.

When a person views the body of the deceased, it serves as a tangible confirmation of the loss, which can facilitate the acknowledgment of what has happened. This act can help bridge the gap between the psychological state of denial and the acceptance of reality, allowing individuals to begin their grieving process more fully.

In contrast, while anger, depression, and acceptance are important aspects of the grieving process, simply viewing the body is less likely to impact those emotions directly. Anger may manifest as a response to the loss but isn't typically alleviated through viewing the deceased. Depression, which often follows as the individual grapples with their grief, may eventually be addressed through various forms of support, but viewing the body specifically targets the denial phase. Acceptance is usually a stage that comes later in the grieving process, once the individual has acknowledged and worked through their feelings surrounding the death.