Answer
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a concept introduced by Hans Selye, a pioneer in stress research, to describe the body's physiological response to stressors. The GAS model outlines three stages that the body goes through when encountering stress. These stages are:
1. **Alarm Stage (Alarm Reaction):** In this initial stage, the body's immediate reaction to a stressor is activated. It's often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. When the body perceives a threat, the hypothalamus, a region in the brain, triggers the release of hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body for quick action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. The body becomes highly alert and ready to confront or escape the stressor.
2. **Resistance Stage:** If the stressor persists beyond the initial alarm stage, the body transitions into the resistance stage. During this phase, the body attempts to cope with the ongoing stressor. The adrenal glands continue to release stress hormones, including cortisol, to help the body manage the stress. Cortisol promotes the mobilization of energy reserves, suppresses non-essential bodily functions like digestion and immune response, and supports the body's ability to adapt and maintain alertness. However, extended exposure to high levels of stress hormones during this stage can lead to wear and tear on the body's systems.
3. **Exhaustion Stage:** If the stressor continues to persist over an extended period without sufficient recovery, the body enters the exhaustion stage. In this phase, the body's resources become depleted due to prolonged stress hormone secretion and adaptation efforts. The body's ability to cope diminishes, and various physiological systems may start to malfunction. This stage is associated with increased vulnerability to illness, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues. If the stressor is not resolved or managed, the body's overall functioning can become severely compromised.
It's important to note that GAS was initially conceptualized based on animal studies and has been criticized for not accounting for individual differences in stress responses or considering the impact of psychological stressors. Additionally, the model suggests that the body's response is linear, progressing from alarm to resistance and exhaustion, whereas in reality, stress responses can vary widely and may not follow this exact sequence.
In summary, the General Adaptation Syndrome involves three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. These stages illustrate how the body responds to stressors and attempts to adapt over time. However, the model has limitations and doesn't fully encompass the complexity of human stress responses.
Work Step by Step
The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) is a concept introduced by Hans Selye, a pioneer in stress research, to describe the body's physiological response to stressors. The GAS model outlines three stages that the body goes through when encountering stress. These stages are:
1. **Alarm Stage (Alarm Reaction):** In this initial stage, the body's immediate reaction to a stressor is activated. It's often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. When the body perceives a threat, the hypothalamus, a region in the brain, triggers the release of hormones, particularly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), from the adrenal glands. These hormones prepare the body for quick action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to muscles. The body becomes highly alert and ready to confront or escape the stressor.
2. **Resistance Stage:** If the stressor persists beyond the initial alarm stage, the body transitions into the resistance stage. During this phase, the body attempts to cope with the ongoing stressor. The adrenal glands continue to release stress hormones, including cortisol, to help the body manage the stress. Cortisol promotes the mobilization of energy reserves, suppresses non-essential bodily functions like digestion and immune response, and supports the body's ability to adapt and maintain alertness. However, extended exposure to high levels of stress hormones during this stage can lead to wear and tear on the body's systems.
3. **Exhaustion Stage:** If the stressor continues to persist over an extended period without sufficient recovery, the body enters the exhaustion stage. In this phase, the body's resources become depleted due to prolonged stress hormone secretion and adaptation efforts. The body's ability to cope diminishes, and various physiological systems may start to malfunction. This stage is associated with increased vulnerability to illness, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues. If the stressor is not resolved or managed, the body's overall functioning can become severely compromised.
It's important to note that GAS was initially conceptualized based on animal studies and has been criticized for not accounting for individual differences in stress responses or considering the impact of psychological stressors. Additionally, the model suggests that the body's response is linear, progressing from alarm to resistance and exhaustion, whereas in reality, stress responses can vary widely and may not follow this exact sequence.
In summary, the General Adaptation Syndrome involves three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. These stages illustrate how the body responds to stressors and attempts to adapt over time. However, the model has limitations and doesn't fully encompass the complexity of human stress responses.
