Which phase is NOT part of the five stages of psychological reaction to injury?

The five stages of psychological reaction to injury, often referenced in the context of emotional responses, typically include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Each of these stages represents a common emotional response athletes may experience after sustaining an injury.

Bargaining involves making deals or promises in hopes of returning to play or minimizing the impact of the injury. Acceptance is the stage where individuals come to terms with their injury and begin to adjust their expectations and goals. Denial is the initial reaction where the individual refuses to accept the reality of the injury, often leading to feelings of disbelief.

Exploration, on the other hand, does not represent a recognized stage within this psychological framework. Instead, it may refer to a broader phase of coping or personal growth that occurs outside of the well-established stages of reaction. Thus, because exploration is not recognized within these specific psychological stages, it is the correct answer as it does not align with the original model. Understanding the established stages can help athletic trainers and healthcare professionals better support injured athletes as they navigate these emotional responses.