What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome?

The three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome, which was introduced by Hans Selye, are alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

In the alarm reaction stage, the body identifies and responds to a stressor. This involves the activation of the fight-or-flight response, leading to physiological changes such as increased heart rate and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. This initial response prepares the body to confront or flee from the threat.

During the resistance stage, the body attempts to adapt to the ongoing stressor. It continues to experience heightened levels of alertness and hormonal activity, but the physiological responses stabilize. The body focuses on maintaining energy levels while trying to cope with the stressor.

Finally, the exhaustion stage occurs if the stress continues for a prolonged period, leading to a depletion of the body's resources. At this point, the ability to cope diminishes, which can result in various health issues, both physical and psychological. This model illustrates how chronic stress can impact physiological functioning and mental health, highlighting the importance of managing stress effectively.