*GAS- General Adaptation syndrome

Chapter 15 Notes - Stress, Coping, and Health

Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

  • Hans Selye (1976) proposed a model describing the body's response to stress in three distinct stages: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

1. Alarm Reaction Stage

  • Purpose: Mobilizes resources to help the body deal with immediate threats.

  • What Happens:

    • The body experiences an immediate reaction to a stressor.

    • The sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response.

    • The endocrine system releases stress hormones, specifically adrenaline and cortisol.

  • Physiological Changes:

    • Increased heart rate.

    • Enhanced respiration.

    • Elevated blood flow to muscles.

    • Slowed digestion.

    • Dilation of pupils.

    • Increased energy levels to prepare the body for action.

  • Analogy/Example:

    • When a student realizes an exam is imminent and forgotten about, their heart races, breathing quickens, and they become instantly alert, showcasing the physiological arousal in response to stress.

2. Resistance Stage

  • Purpose: The body remains on high alert and functions above normal capacity for a period; however, this state cannot be maintained indefinitely.

  • What Happens:

    • If the stressor persists, the body shifts to a phase of sustained arousal.

    • The body's resources are mobilized actively to cope with and adapt to the continued stress.

  • Physiological Changes:

    • Elevated levels of stress hormones, notably cortisol.

    • Persistently high heart rate and respiration.

    • Suppressed digestive processes and immune responses.

  • Example:

    • A student who remains in "exam survival mode" for several weeks, managing to cope but relying heavily on adrenaline and caffeine to sustain their performance during prolonged stress.

3. Exhaustion Stage

  • Purpose: Signifies the depletion of the body’s resources following prolonged stress.

  • What Happens:

    • When stress persists too long, the body's reserves are depleted, and the resistance phase fails to sustain.

  • Consequences:

    • Increased vulnerability to various illnesses.

    • Increased fatigue and burnout.

    • Potential for collapse or severe health implications.

    • Chronic stress may contribute to significant health conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disease, or immune dysfunction.

  • Example:

    • After the rigorous finals period, a student may experience a significant decline in physical and mental well-being, leading to symptoms like illness, lack of focus, or emotional exhaustion.