ABSTRACT
To base the decision about disclosure on a single probable impact is to focus on only one stage in the response process; not only does it neglect the other stages, but also it omits how each stage may be controlled by the staff through appropriate forms of interaction. The patient's initial response is almost invariably depression, but after a period of depression he either accepts or denies the disclosure; and his ensuing behavior may be regarded as an affirmation of his stand on whether will, in fact, die. The initial response of the patient to disclosure is depression. When the disclosure is sharp, the depression is more immediate and profound, and denial begins immediately as a mechanism to cope with the shock. In contrast, an unaware patient, who is not expected to act like a dying patient, will not be avoided on these grounds.
