GAS (general adaptation syndrome)

What does Selye (1936) say about stress?

Stress is the body’s general response to any stressor

1. Alarm reaction

Adrenaline and fight or flight is activated by the hpothalamus

2. Resistance

Continuing stressor means long term use of the bodies resources

3. Exhaustion

Recourses are depleted, initial stress symptoms reappear, immune system is now damaged.

Evaluation of GAS

CONS

1. Gender differences in physiological response- fight or flight is risky for females (abandoning offspring)

2. More than two aspects to the freeze response