KK6: Serges general adaptation syndrome

GAS

a biological model of stress that proposes we have biological responses to stress.

3 STAGES:

Stage 1: alarm reaction (shock and countershock)

Stage 2: resistance

Stage 3: exhaustion

Alarm reaction (shock)

Initial stage of stress and resistance to stress in below normal.

- body might act injured

- blood pressure/body temperature can drop.

Alarm reaction (counter shcok)

Resistance to stress is above normal.

- adrenaline/non-adrenaline/cortisol is released into blood stream, increasing energy

- FFF is activated

- Sympathetic NS is activated

Resistance

Resistance to stress is above normal.

- known as adaptive stage

- build up of stressors leads to this stage

- cortisol is released causing a weakened immune system

- unnecessary functions are shut down

- susceptibility to colds and illnesses

- allostatic load increases (wear and tear)

- can last a long time

Exhaustion

Resistance to stress is below normal.

- levels of functioning is below normal

- allostatic overload (wear and tear)

- susceptible to life-threatening illnesses

- immune system is weakened

- heart attack/depression is common

Cortisol in alarm reaction

cortisol levels rise to mobilise the body to respond to the stressor

Cortisol in resistance

Cortisol levels are sustained at a heightened level to maintain an increased ability to respond to the stressor

Cortisol in exhaustion

cortisol levels are depleted and the body's ability to respond to the stressor is reduced

Strengths of the GAS model

- acknowledges the relationship of stress to sickness and disease

- identifies the biological processes associated with different stages of stress

Limitations of the GAS model

- research was not conducted on humans

- does not account for individual differences and psychological factors