What does the General Adaptation Syndrome describe?

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a concept developed by Hans Selye that outlines the body’s physiological response to stress, which occurs in three distinct stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

In the initial alarm stage, the body recognizes a stressor and activates the fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes like an increased heart rate and the release of stress hormones. Following this, in the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the continuing stressful situation. During this stage, the physiological responses are still activated but at a lower intensity as the body works to cope with the stressor. Finally, if the stress persists for an extended period and the body's resources are depleted, it enters the exhaustion stage, where the body's ability to adapt diminishes, potentially leading to health issues.

This three-stage model highlights the complex and progression nature of stress responses, underscoring the physiological changes that occur in response to challenging situations, which is why this choice accurately describes the General Adaptation Syndrome. Understanding these stages can be vital in both clinical and practical settings for recognizing how prolonged stress may affect physical and mental health.