Dot Point 6 Flashcards
what is stage 1- Alarm Reaction
Occurs when first exposed to a stressor.
Shock phase: Temporary drop in resistance, body reacts as if injured (decreased blood pressure and decreased temperature).
Countershock phase: Sympathetic nervous system activates, adrenaline is released.
The body enters high arousal and alertness, and enters the fight, flight or freeze response.
what is Stage 2- Resistance
Body adapts to stress, and resistance rises above normal levels.
Cortisol is released continuously, which:
Energises the body.
Suppresses the immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.
Resistance to other stressors (e.g., disease) declines.
Signs of illness (e.g., headaches, fatigue, sore throat) may appear due to cortisol weakening immunity.
If stress persists, the body enters the exhaustion stage.
what is Stage 3: Exhaustion
Bodily resources are depleted, and resistance drops below normal levels.
Severe physical and psychological effects may occur, such as:
Depression
Sleep problems
fatigue
high BP
Strengths of the GAS Model
✅ Helped understand the biological processes of stress.
✅ Showed that intense stressors lead to greater physiological responses.
✅ Linked prolonged stress to disease.
✅ Established a connection between stress and illness, which is now widely accepted.
Limitations of the GAS Model
❌ Assumed all individuals respond the same way to stress.
❌ Based primarily on lab rats, which have less varied stress responses than humans.
❌ Findings had limited generalisability to humans.
