Question

Describe Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome.

Answer 1

Gives importance to physiological factors in stress GAS involves three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

1. Alarm reaction stage: The presence of a noxious stimulus or stressor leads to activation of the adrenal pituitary-cortex system. This triggers the release of hormones, producing the stress response. Now, the individual is ready for fight or flight.
2. Resistance stage: If stress is prolonged, the resistance stage begins. The parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body’s resources. The organism makes efforts to cope with the threat as through confrontation.
3. Exhaustion stage: Continued exposure to the same or additional stressors drains the body of its resources and leads to the third stage of exhaustion. The physiological systems involved in alarm reaction and resistance become ineffective, and susceptibility to stress-related diseases such as high blood pressure becomes more likely.