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The stage of denial in the Kubler-Ross grief reaction model is characterized by an individual's initial refusal to accept the reality of a terminal diagnosis. In this phase, the person may exhibit behaviors that suggest they cannot fully comprehend or acknowledge the gravity of the situation. They might appear numb or disconnected, which can be confusing for those around them, such as family members who are also processing the news.

In the context of a wife concerned about her husband's behavior following his terminal diagnosis, it is plausible that he is in denial if he seems detached or is not fully engaging with the implications of his condition. This stage serves as a defense mechanism, allowing the individual time to slowly come to terms with the emotional weight of their diagnosis, often delaying the onset of more intense feelings such as anger or depression that typically accompany the later stages of grief.