_____ is the first of the three general steps in the process involved in the acceptance of personal loss. This is where "emotional standstill," "denial," and "anger" take place.

Personal Loss

The experience of losing something significant in one's life, such as a loved one, relationship, or job, which can lead to emotional distress.

Emotional Standstill

A condition or period where an individual experiences a lack of emotional growth, change, or development.

Denial

A defense mechanism in which confrontation with a reality or fact is avoided by denying the existence of the problem or reality itself.