General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a description of the process of how your body responds to stress. The phenomenon was first identified by a scientist named Hans Selye in 1946. Show
The easiest way to understand GAS is to view it as the different stages of stress and how your body reacts at each stage. GAS occurs in three stages, and each stage is characterized by a unique set of physiological changes that your body undergoes. Stages of General Adaptation SyndromeGeneral adaptation syndrome occurs in three stages. In each of these stages, your body reacts in different ways. The physiological changes your body goes through during this process can have a long-term negative effect. Below are the three stages of GAS explained. Alarm Reaction StageThis is the first stage of general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, your body sends a distress signal to your brain. Your brain responds by sending a message to the body releasing hormones called glucocorticoids and adrenaline; these are also known as your “fight or flight” hormones. During the alarm reaction stage, you’ll also experience elevated blood pressure and heart rate levels. Resistance StageThe resistance stage occurs after the reaction stage. During this stage, your body tries to thwart the changes that occurred during the reaction stage employing the parasympathetic nervous system. It typically occurs when whatever was triggering your stress has stopped. If you remain stressed, the reaction stage will persist. In the resistance stage, your body begins to lower your blood pressure and heart rate. It also reduces the amount of adrenaline and cortisol being produced. Your body, however, remains on alert in this stage and can easily switch back to the reaction stage if the stressor persists. At this stage, your body is simply trying to recover from the shock of the alarm reaction stage. Exhaustion StageStress puts your body through a toll, and the exhaustion stage occurs after prolonged stress. You experience this stage after your body has gone through an extended period of stress. Here, even if the stressor persists, your body is too depleted to continue to combat it. This is the riskiest stage of general adaptation syndrome, as you are most prone to developing health conditions here. Signs of General Adaptation SyndromeDuring each of the three stages of general adaptation syndrome, your body exhibits different signs. Alarm Reaction StageDuring the reaction stage, your body reacts in the following ways.
Resistance StageIf there is persistent stress, in the resistance stage your body may exhibit the following:
Exhaustion StageThe exhaustion stage leaves your body feeling unequipped to ward off stress. You are susceptible to developing stress-related conditions at this stage. Your body might exhibit the following symptoms:
Identifying General Adaptation SyndromeHans Selye, a researcher, and scientist came up with the concept of general adaptation syndrome. He used the term to define the physical changes the body goes through when it's stressed. He discovered this while experimenting on lab rats. In his study, he noticed that the rats went through specific psychological changes during the experiment when exposed to physical stressors like extreme temperatures. However, many other things could also trigger stress and they include:
Stress is responsible for general adaptation syndrome occurring. Although Hans Selye has only identified physical stressors in his initial experiment, any type of stress could cause GAS to occur. During the first stage of general adaptation syndrome, your body goes into “fight or flight” mode. This mode is essential to protect yourself during a stressful or dangerous situation. You get a burst of energy that helps you think more critically and help effectively tackle the stressful situation at hand. Complications Associated With General Adaptation SyndromeWhile general adaptation syndrome isn’t a condition that needs to be diagnosed or treated, it’s primarily a description of what happens to your body under stress. Being in a stressful state for an extended period can cause medical complications. You could develop a host of physical and medical conditions. Some of the most common conditions that have been linked to experiencing prolonged levels of either physical or mental stress include:
Managing General Adaptation SyndromeFinding ways to cope with prolonged stress will help prevent your body from going into the exhaustion stage. The exhaustion stage is the riskiest stage of general adaptation syndrome. During this stage, your immune system is weakened, and you are at an increased risk of developing health conditions such as high blood pressure, strokes, and heart diseases. There’s no one way to manage stress. You’ll have to identify your stressors and attempt to get rid of them or minimize them. A few tested and tried techniques people have used to manage stress for centuries include: What are the 3 stages of the general adaptation syndrome?General adaptation syndrome stages. Alarm reaction stage. The alarm reaction stage refers to the initial symptoms the body experiences when under stress. ... . Resistance stage. After the initial shock of a stressful event and having a fight-or-flight response, the body begins to repair itself. ... . Exhaustion stage.. What is the correct order of the stages of GAS?General adaptation syndrome (GAS) describes the process your body goes through when you are exposed to any kind of stress, positive or negative. It has three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
What is the correct order of the stages of the general adaptation syndrome quizlet?The correct order of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS) is: an alarm reaction, resistance, exhaustion.
Which is the correct order alarm resistance exhaustion?General adaptation syndrome is how your body responds to stress. There are three stages to stress: the alarm stage, the resistance stage and the exhaustion stage.
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