Psychological factors and stages of coping with loss and risk

Psychological studies suggest that humans often fail to recognize risks due to cognitive biases rather than a lack of information. One primary reason is the tendency to believe the future will mirror the past, where a lack of previous negative experiences creates a false sense of security. Emotional responses, such as the desire to feel safe or the belief that certain misfortunes only happen to others, often override objective facts.

In the context of dealing with loss—whether regarding loved ones, health, or career—individuals often undergo specific stages to achieve acceptance. Drawing on the Kübler-Ross model, the initial phase involves shock and denial, where the reality of the loss is difficult to comprehend. From an Islamic perspective, navigating these hardships involves patience and recognizing that trials are part of a divine plan, helping individuals move through anger and toward acceptance without continuously blaming their circumstances.