In Worden's tasks of mourning, what is the first task that individuals should undertake?

In Worden's tasks of mourning, the first task individuals should undertake is to accept the reality of loss. This foundational step is critical as it involves recognizing and acknowledging that a significant change has occurred in one's life due to the loss. By accepting the reality of the loss, individuals can begin to process their grief and confront the feelings associated with it. This acceptance sets the stage for moving through the other tasks of mourning, as it encourages individuals to confront their emotions and the implications of their loss rather than avoid or deny them.

Once this task is achieved, individuals may feel more equipped to experience the pain of grief and express their emotions, adjust to the changes in their environment, and eventually invest emotional energy in new relationships. Each of Worden's tasks builds upon the previous one, making acceptance of the reality of loss an essential starting point in the mourning process.