4C - A biological Model of Stress

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

a biological model of stress that proposes we have a non-specific biological response to stress that occurs in three stages

Alarm Reaction Stage

First stage, in which we become aware of the stressor; it consists shock and countershock

shock

the first phase of the alarm reaction, in which the bodys ability to deal with the stressor falls below normal

countershock

the second phase of alarm reaction, in which the body’s ability to deal with the stressor rises above normal

resistance stage

Second stage of GAS, in which the stressor persists and the body’s resources are maximised to cope and adapt over time

exhaustion stage

the third stage of GAS, in which the continued depletion of energy stores and high levels of hormones such as cortisol decrease resistance to the stressor and impair the immune system