General adaptation syndrome (GAS) is a concept developed by Hans Selye, a Canadian endocrinologist, to describe the body’s response to stress. It is a three-stage process that occurs when an individual is exposed to a stressor, which can be physical, psychological, or emotional.
The three stages of general adaptation syndrome are:
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Alarm stage: This is the initial response to a stressor. The body perceives a threat and activates the “fight-or-flight” response. Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. The body is on high alert and ready to respond to the stressor.
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Resistance stage: If the stressor persists, the body enters the resistance stage. It tries to adapt and cope with the ongoing stress. The body’s physiological responses remain elevated, but not as intensely as in the alarm stage. The body tries to restore balance and repair any damage caused by the stressor.
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Exhaustion stage: If the stressor continues for an extended period or if the body is unable to adapt and cope effectively, it enters the exhaustion stage. The body’s resources become depleted, and it can no longer maintain the heightened physiological responses. This can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, increased vulnerability to illness, and a decline in overall well-being.
General adaptation syndrome helps explain how the body responds to stress and how prolonged exposure to stress can have negative effects on health. It emphasizes the importance of managing stress and finding ways to cope effectively to prevent reaching the exhaustion stage.